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Steve Borthwick says he understands criticism of the selection of South African-born center Benhard Janse van Rensburg – but his job is to build the best possible England team with qualified players.
Janse van Rensburg previously played for South Africa’s Under-20 team Part of England’s three-day training camp As he prepares to complete the five years of residency required to be eligible to debut this July.
Former England scrum-half Danny Care He was questioning the decision Bath to opt for 29-year-old Jans van Rensburg over duo Ollie Lawrence and Max Ozomoh, who have progressed through England’s pathway system.
England’s policy of only selecting players from domestic clubs means Bristol’s Jans van Rensburg is available to Borthwick, while Toulouse flanker Jack Willis and Toulon prop Kyle Sinclair – who both played for England at the last Rugby World Cup – are currently unavailable.
“I understand the discussion and why people would ask and question that,” England head coach Borthwick told BBC Sport.
“From my point of view, he is a player who deserves to play for England and he has committed his future to playing rugby in England.
“My role is to help build the best England team we can, with all the players fit to play for England.”
Janse van Rensburg has been one of Prem’s most consistent midfielders since arriving at London Irish in 2021, impressing on both sides of the ball.
“He’s a player I’ve thought highly of for a long time,” added Borthwick.
“When I was coaching at Leicester Tigers, whenever we previewed London Irish, he was a talisman for them. I spoke to a lot of people around him, and everyone told us what a great person he is, what a great team person, an incredible character.
“I think he brings some strengths that are reasonably unique. His ability to play 12 and 13, his carrying threat as well as being a distributor and how much ground he covers defensively.
“The way he runs for his team is very impressive.”
