England star Benhard Janse van Rensburg was stretchered off during Bristol Bears’ PREM clash with Northampton Saints after a sickening collision with Henry Pollock.
The England teammates were playing against each other at Ashton Gate.
Van Rensburg appeared to collide head-first with Pollock’s knee.
The television broadcast chose not to show the replay again because of the worrying nature of the incident.
Medical staff quickly came onto the pitch to treat the Bristol centre.
After a lengthy stoppage, Van Rensburg was placed on a stretcher and taken from the field.
The incident comes with England already dealing with a growing injury list ahead of their upcoming internationals.
There was some positive news at half-time.
Speaking on the TNT Sports broadcast, Ugo Monye said Van Rensburg was up, conscious and speaking following the worrying collision.
It was a welcome update after the England centre had been stretchered from the field.
There has been no official update on the extent of his injury yet with the centre still being accessed.
We will update this story when more information becomes available.
Five facts about Benhard Janse van Rensburg
1. He made his England debut in 2026
The South Africa-born centre made his England debut against Fiji in 2026.
He became available for Steve Borthwick’s side after an eligibility issue was resolved. BBC Sport reported on his call-up before the match.
2. He played for South Africa U20
Janse van Rensburg played for the Junior Springboks in 2016.
That appearance initially caused a problem for his England hopes.
However, the RFU challenged whether it had tied him to South Africa. The decision eventually cleared the way for him to play for England.
3. He joined Bristol after London Irish collapsed
Janse van Rensburg joined Bristol Bears in 2023.
He had spent two seasons with London Irish before the club collapsed.
4. He became one of the PREM’s top centres
Janse van Rensburg quickly impressed at Bristol.
His powerful running and strong performances put him on England’s radar.
He can also play in more than one midfield position, giving coaches another option.
5. His England career almost didn't happen
His appearance for South Africa U20 could have ended his hopes of playing for England.
However, his case was reviewed and the situation changed.
That opened the door for his eventual England call-up and Test debut in 2026.
