Benhard Janse van Rensburg denies Erasmus claim of Springboks call‑up talks

Centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg responded to recent rumours that he had been in talks with the South African Rugby Union about a Springboks call‑up. In a statement released to the press, the 27‑year‑old centre, who currently plies his trade with the French Top 14 club Stade Rugby Bordeaux, said he “probably would have loved to” play for his native South Africa. He added that the claims made by former Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus were unfounded and that no formal discussions had taken place.

Janse van Rensburg, who earned his first cap for the Springboks in 2021, has been a regular starter for Bordeaux since 2022. The player’s spokesperson clarified that while the South African national team has expressed interest in his services, no concrete offers or negotiations have been made. The former Springboks coach, who stepped down after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, reportedly suggested that the centre was being considered for future squads, a statement that the player denies.

The centre’s comments come amid a broader debate over the selection of overseas‑based players for the Springboks. Janse van Rensburg has indicated that his focus remains on his club commitments in France and that any future international involvement would depend on formal invitations from the South African Rugby Union.