"Not good enough" - Danny Care tells Steve Borthwick to not pick Gallagher Prem star

Care was reacting to England’s successful appeal to World Rugby, which cleared Van Rensburg to play for England despite the South African having been “captured” by a brief appearance for the Junior Springboks in 2016.

The RFU argued that his 20-minute cameo as an injury replacement should not bind him to South Africa, and World Rugby agreed under “exceptional circumstances,” making him eligible once his residency period is complete.

Care, however, believes the move undermines the pathway for homegrown talent. He said: “I don’t really agree with it. There are so many good young English 12s dying to play for England – that’s their dream.

"He’s a brilliant player, but he’s not English. It just doesn’t sit well with me that he’s never once dreamed of playing for England. But suddenly, because he’s been here a few years, he can go, ‘Yeah, I’ll play for them’.”

He also questioned Van Rensburg’s Test calibre, adding: “Is he good enough to play international rugby? He’s not good enough to play for South Africa, otherwise they’d have picked him.”

Supporters of the ruling argue that Van Rensburg has been one of the Premiership’s standout centres for London Irish and now Bristol, and that modern rugby’s global nature makes residency a fair avenue.

But Care’s remarks have thrust the debate back into the spotlight — raising questions about identity, ambition, and what the England shirt should represent.

Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:

Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada

New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.

South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.

Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.

Ireland – Well-drilled, intelligent, and ruthlessly efficient across the park.
Scotland – Creative attackers with growing confidence and slick backline play.
Uruguay – Tenacious, organized, and fearless against bigger rugby nations.
Portugal – Exciting, fast-paced, and thriving with a young, fearless core.

France – Electric, unpredictable, and capable of brilliance from anywhere.
Japan – High-tempo, disciplined, and tactically sharp—they never stop moving.
USA – Athletic and physical, with a growing pool of exciting talent.
Samoa – Bone-shaking tackles, powerful runners, and trademark island flair.

England – Structured, strategic, and capable of grinding down any opponent.
Wales – Proud, passionate, and dangerous when the momentum swings their way.
Tonga – Heavy hitters with explosive power and fearless intensity.
Zimbabwe – Energetic and ambitious, bringing speed and spirit to every contest.

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!