Former England international Danny Care has voiced strong reservations regarding the inclusion of South Africa-born centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg in the England training squad. The Sale Sharks player, who qualifies for England through residency rules, was named in Steve Borthwick's squad ahead of this summer's Test matches against Japan and New Zealand. Care, a veteran of 96 England caps, articulated his concerns, stating that the call-up felt 'not right' given the current landscape of English rugby.
Care's comments, made in a recent interview, highlighted a perceived inconsistency in England's selection policy. He suggested that the focus should be on nurturing and developing talent from within England's domestic rugby system, rather than relying on players who have qualified through residency. This perspective aligns with a broader debate within rugby union about player eligibility and the national identity of international teams, particularly concerning the three-year residency rule set by World Rugby.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 27, has been a consistent performer for Sale Sharks since joining the Premiership club. His strong form at club level has evidently caught the eye of England head coach Steve Borthwick. However, Care's criticism implies that while Janse van Rensburg's individual talent is not in question, his selection might detract from opportunities for younger, English-born players who are striving to break into the national setup.
The debate surrounding 'project players' – those who qualify through residency rather than birth – has been a recurring theme in international rugby. Proponents argue that it strengthens squads and allows coaches to pick the best available talent, while critics, like Care, contend that it dilutes national identity and can hinder the development pathway for local players. This particular instance reignites that discussion, especially as England looks to build towards the next Rugby World Cup cycle.
England's summer schedule includes a Test against Japan in Tokyo on 22nd June, followed by two demanding clashes against the All Blacks in New Zealand on 6th and 13th July. The composition of Borthwick's squad for these fixtures will be under intense scrutiny, not least because of the ongoing discussion sparked by Care's remarks about the principles behind player selection.
Source: Danny Care interview