South Africa star set for England call-up after World Rugby clearance

Friday, 15 May 2026 at 10:05

byCharlie Elliott

South Africa-born Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been cleared to represent England and will be available for selection during this summer’s international schedule.

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Steve Borthwick has now been informed that Janse van Rensburg can be picked for Test duty from July onwards, making him eligible for England’s Nations Championship meeting with Fiji.

His eligibility officially begins on July 8, ruling him out of the opening summer Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg.

The decision comes after several months of discussions between England and World Rugby regarding his status.

Janse van Rensburg qualifies for England through residency after spending five years living in the country, while never having represented the senior Springboks side.

He arrived in the Premiership with London Irish in 2021 before moving to Bristol Bears two years later.

Since joining Bristol, the inside centre has developed into one of the standout players in his position in the Prem, regularly competing alongside England contenders including Fraser Dingwall, Seb Atkinson and Max Ojomoh.

At 29, there are questions over how long he could remain involved at international level, though he is viewed as a potential short-term solution for Borthwick ahead of the World Cup as England continue searching for a settled option at inside centre.

Borthwick is set to name his training squad next week, with the powerful Pretoria-born back now in contention for inclusion.

Janse van Rensburg previously earned one appearance for the Junior Springboks during the 2016 World Rugby Under-20 Championship after being drafted into the squad as injury cover.

He came off the bench against Argentina before departing the tournament shortly afterwards.

At that time, South Africa’s Under-20 team was classified as the nation’s next senior representative side, which under previous eligibility rules would typically have tied him permanently to South Africa.

However, World Rugby accepted the RFU’s case that such a limited appearance should not block him from representing another country later in his career.

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International rugby’s eligibility rules continue to shake up the global landscape — and several South African-born players could be lining up for new nations by the time the 2027 Rugby World Cup rolls around.

Here are three Springbok-eligible players who look set to switch allegiances.

Rhyno Smith – South Africa to Italy

Benetton full-back Rhyno Smith could yet become another high-profile switch — this time in favour of Italy.

Smith previously featured for South Africa Sevens, meaning he would require special dispensation to change allegiance. However, after spending five years in Italy, the 26-year-old has openly admitted he would welcome the opportunity to pull on the Azzurri jersey.

With Italy continuing to target experienced, foreign-based talent, Smith’s versatility and attacking threat could make him a valuable addition ahead of Australia 2027.

Tyrone Green – South Africa to England

Another South African-born back in line for England eligibility is Harlequins flyer Tyrone Green.

A standout for South Africa at U20 level, Green will become eligible for England in 2026. However, the electric full-back has previously played down any rush to make a decision about his international future.

Still, with his pace, footwork and growing consistency in the Premiership, England could see him as an ideal attacking option heading into the next World Cup cycle.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg – South Africa to England

Bristol Bears star Benhard Janse van Rensburg is edging closer to England qualification after previously representing South Africa at U20 level.

The powerful centre has never been capped at senior level by the Springboks and has now cut ties with the national setup. Subject to World Rugby approval, he is on track to qualify for England through residency, putting him firmly in Steve Borthwick’s long-term plans ahead of 2027.

With his physicality, versatility and Premiership experience, Janse van Rensburg could become a serious option in England’s midfield.