England have called up former South Africa U20 centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg to train with the national squad ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship. The Bristol Bears midfielder is set to become eligible on residency grounds from 8 July, having spent five years in the UK since joining London Irish.
Janse van Rensburg will miss England's Test against the Springboks on 4 July but could make his full debut against Fiji on 12 July. He may also feature in a non-cap match against a France XV on 19 June, pending his performance in training.
The 29-year-old played 21 minutes for South Africa's U20 side in 2016, which technically made him ineligible for England on residency grounds. However, the Rugby Football Union successfully argued that this brief appearance should not bind him to South Africa permanently, securing dispensation from World Rugby.
England head coach Steve Borthwick is seeking to inject momentum after a fifth-placed Six Nations finish. The squad includes uncapped players such as scrum-halves Archie McParland and Charlie Bracken, wing Adam Radwan, and Bath front-row duo Vilikesa Sela and Kepu Tuipulotu. Senior players like captain Maro Itoje may be rested during the summer fixtures.
