England have called up former South Africa Under-20 centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg to train with the national squad ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship. The Bristol Bears midfielder, 29, has been selected despite not being officially eligible for England until 8 July, when he qualifies on residency grounds after five years in the UK.
Janse van Rensburg will miss England's Test against South Africa on 4 July but could make his full debut against Fiji at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium the following weekend. He may also feature in a non-cap match against a France XV in Vannes on 19 June, subject to his performance in training.
The Rugby Football Union successfully appealed to World Rugby for dispensation, arguing that Janse van Rensburg's 21-minute appearance for South Africa's U20s in 2016 should not bind him to the Springboks permanently. He had a difficult outing last Friday in Bristol's record 94-33 defeat to Northampton.
Head coach Steve Borthwick is seeking fresh impetus after England finished fifth in the Six Nations, losing four of five games. Other call-ups include Northampton scrum-half Archie McParland, Saracens' Charlie Bracken, and Leicester wing Adam Radwan, who replaces the injured Henry Arundell. Uncapped Bath front-row duo Vilikesa Sela and Kepu Tuipulotu are also in the 42-man squad.
Borthwick is reportedly considering resting senior players, including captain Maro Itoje, for some July fixtures. Several players are unavailable due to injury, including Fin Baxter, Ben Curry, Elliot Daly, Trevor Davison, Greg Fisilau, Will Muir, Bevan Rodd, and Sam Underhill.
