Benhard Janse van Rensburg’s dream of playing in the Rugby World Cup for England has taken a major hit, with fresh doubts emerging over his eligibility.
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The Bristol Bears star has been tearing up the Premiership this season, lighting up the league with 14 standout performances. Since making the move from London Irish – after originally landing in England from the Cheetahs in 2021 – the former South African age-grade international has been making serious waves.
Janse van Rensburg had expressed interest in representing England if a Springboks call-up wasn’t on the cards. However, a previously overlooked rule from his past has put those ambitions in jeopardy.
World Rugby rule blocks England switch
According to The Times, the 28-year-old’s five-year residency in the UK won’t be enough to make him eligible for England due to a technicality stemming from his international past.
Back in 2016, Janse van Rensburg played just 21 minutes for South Africa’s U20 side at the Junior World Championship. But under World Rugby rules at the time, South Africa’s U20s were classed as a “capture side,” meaning that brief appearance permanently tied him to the Springboks.
Had he played under older eligibility rules, he might have been able to switch allegiance. But under the 2016 regulations, there’s no way around it – he remains locked in as a South African international.
An appeal? Not looking good…
Janse van Rensburg had been on track to qualify for England by 2026, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in his sights. Now, his only hope would be an appeal to World Rugby, arguing that he was unaware of the rule at the time.
However, with World Rugby tightening eligibility laws and making multiple rule changes in recent years, history suggests the chances of success are slim.
For now, it looks like Janse van Rensburg’s England ambitions are over before they even began.
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Five British and Irish Lions hopefuls who FLOPPED in Six Nations round three
Steve Borthwick’s men survived a late scare as Finn Russell’s conversion slid wide, allowing them to snatch their first win over Scotland since 2020. Meanwhile, Wales looked revitalized under Matt Sherratt, producing their best display of the tournament so far.
But who had a weekend to forget? RUCK Editor Steve Smith takes a look at five players who struggled in round three.
Henry Slade – England
So much talent, yet another disappointing display on the international stage. Slade had a torrid time against Scotland, missing key tackles that left England exposed.
His defensive lapses piled pressure on his teammates, while his attacking contribution was minimal—offering little creativity in midfield. With fierce competition for places, could this be the end of the road for him under Steve Borthwick?
Nowhere near the Lions conversation right now.
Finn Russell – Scotland
A night to forget for Scotland’s co-captain. While his passing and movement constantly tested England’s defence, his goal-kicking proved costly.
In a game of fine margins, his missed kicks—especially the late conversion that drifted wide—ultimately defined the result. A fly-half of his quality is expected to deliver in clutch moments, and he’ll know he left points behind. Scotland fans won’t let this one slide easily.
The Lions will want their No. 10 to be reliable off the tee. Fin Smith and Sam Prendergast are breathing down his neck.
Jack Dempsey – Scotland
Struggled to make his mark in an intense physical battle. He carried with intent but was let down by handling errors and poor decision-making at key moments.
Scotland needed stability in the back row, but Dempsey was too often on the fringes rather than in the thick of it. A frustrating afternoon where his effort wasn’t matched by execution, leaving Scotland’s pack without the control he was expected to bring.
The No. 8 jersey for the Lions remains up for grabs, though Caelan Doris leads the charge for the 2025 tour.
Dan Sheehan – Ireland
A rare off-day for one of Ireland’s most consistent performers. His lineout throwing remains a concern, with Ireland struggling to secure clean ball at crucial moments.
In open play, he was quieter than usual, failing to make his trademark impact with ball in hand. At times, he looked to force things, leading to unnecessary handling errors. With Rónan Kelleher waiting in the wings, this wasn’t the performance Sheehan needed.
He had been the frontrunner for the Lions No. 2 shirt, but strong form from Luke Cowan-Dickie and Elliot Dee has ramped up the competition.
Alex Mitchell – England
A frustrating afternoon for the England scrum-half. His box-kicking lacked accuracy, failing to relieve pressure or put Scotland on the back foot. England’s attack looked sluggish in the first half, with Mitchell’s slow service contributing to their struggles.
He added more tempo after the break, but by then, the damage was done. With England’s half-back situation under scrutiny, this display won’t have strengthened his claim as Borthwick’s long-term No. 9. The Twickenham crowd’s lukewarm reception said it all.
Right now, he’s trailing behind Ben White, Tomos Williams, and Jamison Gibson-Park in the Lions pecking order.
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QUIZ: Can You Name the England XV that Won the 2020 Six Nations?
England last won the Six Nations in 2020, in what was a crowning achievement during the Eddie Jones era. Coming off the back of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final heartbreak, England bounced back to win their seventh Six Nations title since the competition's Italian expansion in 2000.
England secured the trophy with a win in Rome, as they handed Italy a one-sided 34-5 bonus point defeat. We are challenging you to remember who started for England that day, as the match was played in front of an empty stadium during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
You have five minutes to provide your answers, good luck!
