Benhard puts his body on the line for Irish
Benhard Janse van Rensburg is in his second season with London Irish and has yet to miss a Premiership match despite the South African centre's blockbusting approach.
The 25-year old joined the Exiles from the Green Rockets in Japan and quickly established himself as a bedrock behind the scrum.
He finished last season among the leading carriers, tackle breakers and off-loaders in the league and only seven players ran more than his 1,500 metres. He also plundered 10 turnovers at the breakdown, the second highest for a back.
“I have really enjoyed my time here,” said the 25-year old, who was part of South Africa's U20 Junior World Cup squad when the tournament was held in England in 2016.
“The rugby we play suits me and it has been an amazing time. I like to see myself as an all-rounder who contributes in defence and attack and as someone who has played at outside-half, I can use the vision you need in that position when it comes to passes over the top or finding space in behind.
“I have featured in every Premiership game since I have been here and I look to go out and give everything every weekend. As a little kid I always went as hard as I could and the staff here look after me so that I can take it a little easier during the week.”
Part of his role is to help bring on some of Irish's young backs such as Henry Arundell and Will Joseph who broke through last season and were both capped by England at the end of it.
“I try and give them as much feedback and information as I can to help their development,” he said. “They are both extremely talented players and you hope to say or do something that sticks with them.
“They were called up early by England but I think that was good. They both have the skills and X-factor to play international rugby, but when they get there they have to be motivated to become even better, not be satisfied with making it. Knowing them both, their arrival will just be the start of it.”
Van Rensburg has yet to be called up by South Africa and does not know whether he was in consideration for a place in their squad for the upcoming tour of Europe.
His opposite number in yesterday's Premiership match against Harlequins, Andre Esterhuizen, is in the 35 having forced his way into the reckoning last season on the strength of his performances in England.
“I have not been in contact with the Springboks,” said van Rensburg, who played for the Sharks and the Cheetahs before moving to Japan for a year.
“I came to England to play in a strong league and I have not been disappointed. I am looking forward to the Heineken Champions Cup and our trip to Cape Town in December to play the Stormers.
“My family have all bought tickets and I think it is a good thing for European rugby and the game back home that the South African teams are involved now. And it will be nice and hot in Cape Town.”
