It is, perhaps, a measure of the quality of a sportsperson when a governing body is prepared to bend, break, or challenge the rules to select them. Ahead of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, the England and Wales Cricket Board recognised that Jofra Archer was a special talent; the problem was that residency regulations meant England could not select him until winter 2022. Those rules were relaxed, Archer became available, and World Cup success followed.
Similar situation for rugby centre
It is hard to foresee Benhard Janse van Rensburg making quite such an eye-catching impact this summer, but the 29-year-old centre occupies a similar spot to Archer. Until last year, his involvement with South Africa's Under-20s in 2016 seemed to block a switch of allegiance. However, the Rugby Football Union successfully lobbied World Rugby to change their stance.
Eligibility details
From 8 July, the Pretoria-born midfielder will have served the five-year residency period across stints at London Irish and Bristol Bears. He has been one of the Premiership's most consistent performers. Steve Borthwick is expected to include him in the first training squad for the Nations Championship.
Versatile midfielder
Comfortable at inside or outside centre, and even fly half, Janse van Rensburg blends handling dexterity with carrying punch and a rounded defensive skillset. Internationally, his home is at inside centre, a problem position for England. Borthwick has options like Seb Atkinson, Max Ojomoh, and Ollie Lawrence, but may want an immediate look at the newly-available Bristol player.
Other selection decisions
Borthwick also mulls over Hoskins Sotutu, a former All Blacks No 8 with an English mother, who becomes available after moving to Newcastle. Joe Marchant and Courtney Lawes will have eligibility restored. Noah Caluori may be included in the senior squad, while front row concerns loom with Luke Cowan-Dickie and Will Stuart absent. George Martin's return from a nerve issue boosts the pack.
