Overview
- Bristol centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg was added to Steve Borthwick’s 42‑man training squad and took part in a Pennyhill Park camp after an RFU appeal won clearance from World Rugby.
- The clearance follows a brief 2016 appearance for South Africa U20 and Janse van Rensburg’s move to English club rugby in 2021 which completed the five‑year residency window.
- He is not eligible to play in the first summer Test and can only be selected from the second match, a timing detail that has intensified scrutiny of the call-up.
- Head coach Steve Borthwick has defended the pick as part of building the strongest available squad, while commentators and fans have questioned the omission of in‑form Bath centre Max Ojomoh.
- The episode has refocused attention on World Rugby’s residency rules, comparisons with other nations’ use of project players, and calls for clearer RFU selection criteria and public communication.