England Head Coach Steve Borthwick has announced a 42-player squad for a three-day training camp ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship. The squad gathered on Monday, 18 May, and will train at England’s Performance Centre at Pennyhill Park until Wednesday.
England’s Nations Championship campaign kicks off against South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday, 4 July, followed by matches against Fiji and Argentina.
England Squad Includes Former Junior Springbok
Benhard Janse van Rensburg, a former Junior Springbok, has been included in the squad. He will be eligible to represent England from 8 July. The 29-year-old centre, who plays for Bristol Bears, will miss England’s highly anticipated clash against the Springboks at Ellis Park on 4 July. However, he could make his Test debut against Fiji the following weekend.
Janse van Rensburg qualifies for England through residency after spending five years in the country. He previously represented South Africa at junior level, making a 21-minute appearance off the bench for the Junior Boks in 2016. England’s governing body, the Rugby Football Union (RFU), reportedly sought special dispensation from World Rugby to allow Janse van Rensburg to be considered for selection.
England’s Midfield Depth Strengthened
Janse van Rensburg’s inclusion highlights England’s efforts to strengthen midfield depth as Borthwick prepares for a demanding international schedule. For the former Junior Bok, the call-up marks a remarkable chapter in a rugby journey that began in South Africa but may now culminate on the international stage in English colours.
England Training Squad
Forwards
The forwards in the squad are: Jamie Blamire, Ollie Chessum, Arthur Clark, Alex Coles, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Emmanuel Iyogun, George Martin, Beno Obano, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Guy Pepper, Henry Pollock, Vilikesa Sela, and Kepu Tuipulotu.
Backs
The backs in the squad are: Seb Atkinson, Charlie Bracken, Noah Caluori, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Archie McParland, Alex Mitchell, Cadan Murley, Adam Radwan, Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward, and Jack van Poortvliet.
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks) is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
