England centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been withdrawn from all rugby activities indefinitely following two serious concussions sustained across his last three matches. The Bristol player has been instructed to spend several weeks away from contact rugby after undergoing a specialist evaluation, with England head coach Steve Borthwick confirming the 29-year-old will be absent from the autumn series.
Concussion incidents and immediate reaction
Van Rensburg sustained his most recent concussion when he was rendered unconscious while attempting to tackle England team-mate Henry Pollock during Bristol's loss to Northampton on October 3. The incident prompted significant alarm among players on the field, who yelled at the referee to stop play immediately.
The South African-born centre only earned his England Test debut against Fiji in July, but his ambitions of adding to his two caps have been postponed as he continues his rehabilitation.
Borthwick's statement and recovery plan
Borthwick stated: "Benhard has seen a specialist and been advised to take a number of weeks of non-contact work before his reintroduction to rugby over the coming weeks."
The indefinite withdrawal means Van Rensburg will be unavailable for England's forthcoming Nations Championship encounters against Australia, Japan and New Zealand, alongside finals weekend in London at the conclusion of November. His next chance to represent England may come during the Six Nations, though it will hinge on his rehabilitation and eventual return to competitive action.
Other England injury updates
Meanwhile, England are monitoring the condition of fly-half Fin Smith before their autumn curtain-raiser against Australia at Allianz Stadium on November 8. Smith picked up a calf strain while featuring for Northampton against Leicester on Saturday and has until Wednesday to demonstrate his readiness.
"Fin has made good progress over the last couple of days and we're hopeful of his availability against Australia, but that remains unclear at this stage," Borthwick said. George Ford or Marcus Smith would be among the candidates to start at fly-half should the Northampton playmaker be sidelined.
Flanker Guy Pepper will also be absent from England's autumn internationals following an ankle injury sustained while playing for Bath against Gloucester on Friday. There is more positive news regarding Seb Atkinson and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, however, with the duo set to feature for Gloucester and Exeter respectively this weekend.
