Overview
- Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said on Tuesday that South Africa held talks with Benhard Janse van Rensburg but did not cap him because SARU had already promised World Rugby and England it would not pursue his selection.
- SARU’s chief executive told Erasmus the prior pledge prevented a late approach even after coaches considered giving Janse van Rensburg a chance in the June window.
- Janse van Rensburg becomes eligible for England under World Rugby’s five-year residency rule on 8 July and has been named in England’s July squad with a likely Test debut reported for 11 July in Liverpool.
- Erasmus said South Africa could not guarantee a Test spot for the Bristol Bears centre this year because of a deep midfield pecking order, and that subsequent injuries left the Boks short of centres only after the commitment was made.
- The episode highlights how World Rugby’s residency pathway, national selection priorities and institutional promises can shape player choices and may prompt renewed discussion about how unions balance recruiting overseas players with developing domestic talent.