South African-born centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg has received his first England call-up for the inaugural Nations Championship, becoming eligible after a five-year residency period in early July. However, he will miss the opening match against the Springboks. Bath trio Ollie Lawrence, Henry Arundell, and Max Ojomoh have been notably omitted from Steve Borthwick’s squad, with Lawrence's exclusion coming after he started England’s Six Nations defeat by Ireland earlier this year.
Uncapped Inclusions and Recalls
Janse van Rensburg is one of six uncapped inclusions, alongside promising talents such as Saracens wing Noah Caluori, Bath hooker Kepu Tuipulotu, young scrum halves Archie McParland and Charlie Bracken, and tighthead prop Vilikesa Sela. The squad also features recalls for Leicester hooker Jamie Blamire, Harlequins No 8 Alex Dombrandt, and Leicester wing Adam Radwan, while lock George Martin makes a significant return from a year-long injury absence.
Demanding Schedule Ahead
England face a demanding Nations Championship schedule in July, with matches in Johannesburg, at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, and in Santiago del Estero. This may prompt head coach Steve Borthwick to consider squad rotation to manage player workload across the three fixtures.
