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.
