Former Springbok props Steven Kitshoff and Trevor Nyakane have thrown their support behind Benhard Janse van Rensburg.
The Bristol Bears midfielder was recently included in a 42-man England training group ahead of the Nations Championship Tests against the Springboks, Fiji and Argentina.
The former Junior Bok only becomes eligible for England on 8 July, meaning he cannot face the Springboks at Ellis Park on 4 July, but he could make his Test debut against Fiji at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium a week later.
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Speaking on the For The Love Of Rugby South Africa podcast, Kitshoff said he was pleased to see Janse van Rensburg finally getting an international call-up.
“He openly said he would have loved to play for South Africa and never got an opportunity,” Kitshoff said. “And he’s getting an opportunity to play international rugby, even though it’s for England.
“He still wants to represent at the top level and wants to play the highest level of rugby, so I think it’s great for him.”
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Janse van Rensburg has become one of the standout midfielders in the English Premiership in recent seasons, with reports previously suggesting Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus had been monitoring him.
Nyakane said he fully understood the player’s desire to pursue Test rugby abroad.
“Every rugby player wants to compete against the best. You want to be able to say, ‘I played against the best in our sport right now’. And international rugby is the top level.
“The man is getting an opportunity, and it is well deserved because he’s been playing some brilliant rugby. So I’m happy for him.
“Let him go out there and live his dream.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Ex-Boks back Benhard’s England ambitions appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok props Steven Kitshoff and Trevor Nyakane have thrown their support behind Benhard Janse van Rensburg.
The post Ex-Boks back Benhard’s England ambitions appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
