Rohan Janse van Rensburg’s Springbok flame still burning bright

Rohan Janse van Rensburg, a center for the Sharks, discusses his desperation to obtain a Springbok recall in the hopes of earning a second Test cap.

The 28-year-old earned his Springboks Test debut against Wales in 2016, but that was his lone appearance in the green and gold jersey to date.

Janse van Rensburg played for the Lions at the time, but he left the Johannesburg-based team in 2017 to play for the Sale Sharks.

Since then, much has occurred, including Janse van Rensburg’s timely return to South African rugby after signing a contract with the Sharks.

He joined the Sharks in 2022 and has been one of the franchise’s top players in the United Rugby Champions and European Champions Cup over the past few months.

Additionally, Springbok hopes for RG Snyman are dwindling as his return is again delayed.

In an interview with Sport24, the hard-running centre spoke openly about his desire to impress Springbok coaches Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, which begins in eight months.

“I am desperate to try to rejoin the Bok squad. So, everything I can do to get a foot in the door or slightly open that door, I’m eager to do,” Janse van Rensburg disclosed.

It’s absolutely something I consider, and I strive to perform at the level the Boks would expect from a centre. This motivates me.”

“I think the reason I started well was because I was desperate… desperate to play well, especially because of the fans’ support,” he explained.

“My neighbors are diehard Sharks supporters. You don’t want to disappoint your people, Van Rensburg concluded.