Janse van Rensburg backed for first England run-out
Janse van Rensburg backed for first England run-outImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Janse van Rensburg first moved to England in 2021, when he swapped Japanese side NEC Green Rockets for Londo
Janse van Rensburg first moved to England in 2021, when he swapped Japanese side NEC Green Rockets for London Irish
- Published19 June 2026
Benhard Janse van Rensburg's enthusiasm and energy have won over his new England team-mates, says George Ford.
Janse van Rensburg, 29, was born in South Africa and appeared for the Springboks under-20 side, but, after a Rugby Football Union appeal to World Rugby over his eligibility, will qualify to play Test rugby for England in July after five years in the country.
He has been named on the bench for England's non-cap fixture against a France XV in Vannes on Friday.
"He's been brilliant, he's like an excitable kid," said Ford, who will captain England in the match.
"He's got so much energy and you can tell he's just obsessed with playing rugby.
"He not only loves the game, but loves training as well. He gives us loads of energy and we're looking forward to seeing him play."
The selection of Janse van Rensburg in the squad has been criticised by some.
Former England scrum-half Danny Care said talent which has been nurtured in England and through the nation's age-grade system should be prioritised.
Head coach Steve Borthwick said that that rest of the squad "think the world" of Janse van Rensburg since he was called up to a training camp for the first time in May.
"He's a wonderful character as well as being a really top-quality rugby player, so I'm looking forward to seeing him seeing him play when he comes on to the pitch on Friday night," Borthwick said.
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Bath's Max Ojomoh, who was left out of England's first training get-together for the summer in favour of Janse van Rensburg, starts ahead of his Bristol rival.
Borthwick has challenged Ojomoh to marry defensive solidity with his attacking gifts.
"Max's attacking instincts are outstanding - we've always talked about that," added Borthwick.
"He's worked really hard on the defensive side of his game and his off-the-ball running.
"On Friday night one of the things that's got to be really clear is how hard these players run, how hard these players work, particularly in defence and for each other."
Janse van Rensburg and Ojomoh have trained together at England's Pennyhill Park base this week before travelling to Vannes to face a France XV
France's team will be led by Mickael Guillard, who partners uncapped Thomas Staniforth, an Australian who qualifies for France via residency, in the second row.
Elsewhere, the visitors, who are without players from Top 14 semi-finallists Toulouse, Racing 92, Montpellier and Stade Francais, lean on established club combinations.
La Rochelle half-back pair Nolann Le Garrec and Antoine Hastoy start inside the Bordeaux-Begles centre duo of Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere.
Bordeaux-Begles provide the whole of the front row, with 33-year-old Jefferson Poirot joined by Maxime Lamothe and Sipili Falatea.
Pau's Theo Attissogbe is at full-back.
France: Attissogbe; Ambadiang, Depoortere, Moefana, Arfeuil; Hastoy, Le Garrec; Poirot, Lamothe, Falatea, Guillard (c), Staniforth, Matiu, Capilla, Gazzotti
Replacements: Massa, Wardi, Montagne, Palu, Tixeront, Jauneau, Desperes, Brau-Boirie
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