Rassie Erasmus has weighed in on Benhard Janse van Rensburg\u2019s switch to England after reports that World Rugby granted the South African the opportunity to change international allegiances.<\/b><\/p>\n
The centre has been a consistent performer in Prem Rugby since making the move north and joining London Irish in 2021 before switching to the Bristol Bears two years later.<\/p>\n
Janse van Rensburg will complete his five-year residency in England<\/a> next year, which would usually pave the way for him to qualify to represent the national team.<\/p>\n However, he played for the South African U20s back in 2016, which at the time was nominated as a \u2018capture team\u2019, meaning that players who played for the team would only be able to change their international allegiance through a birthright transfer.<\/p>\n The U20s was nominated as the capture team, other than the Springboks<\/a>, between 2016 and 2018, which has impacted other players like Hanro Liebenberg and Jacques Vermuelen, the latter openly slamming the policy that has denied him the opportunity to press for England selection.<\/p>\n Benhard Janse van Rensburg\u2019s successful appeal<\/p>\n However, it is reported by The Telegraph<\/a> that the RFU have successfully appealed Janse van Rensburg\u2019s tie to South Africa and the Springboks with World Rugby.<\/p>\n It\u2019s reported that World Rugby granted him the chance to switch international allegiances on the grounds of \u201cexceptional circumstances\u201d because he played just 20 minutes in the third-fourth place play-off on the u20 Championship.<\/p>\n The RFU successfully argued that 20 minutes off the bench in South Africa\u2019s third-four play-off in 2016, having not played a single minute previously in the tournament, should not forever preclude a player from international rugby and World Rugby have reportedly agreed and granted him the opportunity to switch his international ties on the grounds of \u201cexceptional circumstances\u201d.<\/p>\n Fronting the media after the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Erasmus said that Janse van Rensburg was on their radar for a potential selection but added that they won\u2019t stand in his way if he wants to make the switch to England.<\/p>\n In 2025, the likes of Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Damian Willemse, and Canan Moodie all played in the centre roles for the Springboks while double World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am was sidelined for a chunk of the season before being placed on stand-by.<\/p>\n 13 stars who could switch Test allegiances before World Cup 2027: Two Springboks-tied backs, six ex-All Blacks and Manu Tuilagi<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n England allowed to pick Springboks-tied centre as World Rugby give greenlight under \u2018exceptional circumstances\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Rassie Erasmus\u2019 verdict on new Rugby World Cup format amid draw backlash<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Rassie Erasmus\u2019 verdict<\/p>\n