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Janse van Rensburg England call-up not right, says Care
TL;DR
Danny Care has criticized the inclusion of Benhard Janse van Rensburg in England's training squad for upcoming Tests, arguing it undermines opportunities for local players. Janse van Rensburg qualifies for England under the five-year residency rule after previously representing South Africa's under-20s.
Key points
- Danny Care criticizes Janse van Rensburg's selection
- Janse van Rensburg qualifies under five-year residency rule
- He previously played for South Africa's under-20s
- Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh were omitted from the squad
Mentioned in this story
Danny CareBenhard Janse van RensburgRugby Football Union
Bristol BearsBathLondon Irish
Former England scrum-half Danny Care has criticised the selection of South Africa-born Benhard Janse van Rensburg in the England training squad for this summer's Tests.
Janse van Rensburg made a 20-minute appearance for South Africa's under-20s in 2016, but was cleared to play for England last November following an appeal by the Rugby Football Union.
The Bristol Bears centre qualifies for England on 8 July under World Rugby's five-year residency rule and has been named as one of four centres in head coach Steve Borthwick's 42-strong training squad.
The 29-year-old, who moved to England to play for London Irish in 2021, will attend next week's camp at the expense of Bath pair Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh.
"It doesn't sit right with me to take away the opportunity for Max Ojomoh or Ollie Lawrence," Care told the BBC's Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
"Whether they [England] don't like those players personality-wise or on the technical side, they are two young English lads who have dreamt of playing for England.
"I know Janse van Rensburg has been over here five years and qualifies on residency, but I think playing international rugby has to be more exclusive than that."
Lawrence has been hindered by injuries and Ojomoh does not seem to fit into Borthwick's plans, despite being named man of the match on his home debut against Argentina in November.
England have been searching for a ball-carrying centre to replace the power of Manu Tuilagi since 2024 and believe Janse Van Rensburg could fill the gap.
The centre will not qualify in time to face South Africa in Johannesburg on 4 July in the opening round of this summer's Nations Championship, but will be available to play against Fiji on 11 July and Argentina on 18 July.
Image caption,
Benhard Janse van Rensburg spent two seasons with London Irish before joining Bristol in 2023
Fraser Dingwall, Seb Atkinson and Henry Slade are the other specialist centres named in the squad.
Harlequins legend Care, who won 101 England caps, admitted his view might get him some "stick".
Q&A
Why did Danny Care criticize Benhard Janse van Rensburg's selection for England?
Danny Care criticized Janse van Rensburg's selection because he believes it takes away opportunities from local players like Max Ojomoh and Ollie Lawrence.
What is the residency rule that allowed Janse van Rensburg to qualify for England?
Benhard Janse van Rensburg qualifies for England under World Rugby's five-year residency rule, which he meets as of July 8.
Who are the other players omitted from the England training squad for Janse van Rensburg?
Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh from Bath were omitted from the England training squad to make room for Benhard Janse van Rensburg.
