England\u2019s centre stocks look set to be significantly boosted next year with World Rugby making an exception for Benhard Janse van Rensburg.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s yet another boost for England<\/a> boss Steve Borthwick following the news that former Harlequins centre Joe Marchant would be returning to PREM Rugby next season.<\/p>\n Centre stocks boosted<\/p>\n Marchant was part of Borthwick\u2019s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, but signed a deal to join French Top 14 club Stade Francais following the tournament, which made him ineligible for England selection. However, that will change when he joins Alex Sanderson\u2019s Sale Sharks next season<\/a>.<\/p>\n Janse van Rensburg\u2019s eligibility is far more complicated as the South African<\/a>-born Bristol Bears star is currently tied to his home country after playing for the South African U20s back in 2016.<\/p>\n Between 2015 and 2017, the U20s was a \u2018capture\u2019 side for South Africa, meaning that players who played for the team would only be able to change their international allegiance through a birthright right transfer \u2013 a parent or grandparent who was born in the country they wished to change to.<\/p>\n According to a report by Telegraph Sport<\/a>, England have successfully appealed Janse van Rensburg\u2019s tie to South Africa and the Springboks with World Rugby on the grounds of \u201cexceptional circumstances\u201d.<\/p>\n It is reported that the Rugby Football Union argued that his 20 minutes off the bench in South Africa\u2019s third-four play-off in 2016, having not played a single minute previously in the tournament, should not forever preclude a player from international rugby.<\/p>\n Janse van Rensburg flew to Manchester on the Friday before the Saturday match and returned home on the Sunday back in 2016. Additionally, the Springboks have not shown interest in the Bears star\u2019s services despite his form in PREM Rugby.<\/p>\n The line of argument was sufficient for World Rugby, according to the report, and from the start of the 2026\/27 season, he will be eligible to be selected by Borthwick.<\/p>\n Janse van Rensburg arrived in the United Kingdom back in 2021 and has played for the likes of London Irish and Bristol. By the start of next season, he will have completed his five-year residency required to switch international allegiance.<\/p>\n