London Irish star Benhard Janse van Rensburg believes the exclusion of the Cheetahs from top-tier competition has created an obstacle for the next generation of SA players.
Janse van Rensburg made a name for himself with the Cheetahs between 2018 and 2020 in the now defunct Pro14, but similar opportunities for those back home have been scarce after South Africa’s franchises were cut from five to four, at the exclusion of the Free Staters from the inaugural URC.
He joined Brentford-based club London Irish ahead of the 2021-22 season from Japanese side NEC Green Rockets, and was recently named English Premiership Player of the Month for January, following a string of excellent performances for the Exiles.
Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett recently stoked debate when he said South African rugby would be in a stronger position if Ireland’s example was followed and the number of professional regional teams was slashed from 14 to four.
In a wide-ranging interview with Rugby Pass, Janse van Rensburg, a former Junior Springbok who caught the eye while playing for Pukke in the 2016 Varsity Cup, rued the reduction of SA’s top-tier franchises playing in high-profile tournaments and the implications for youngsters in the Republic wanting to showcase their talent.
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“I wish there were more teams. There are so many young boys who want to play rugby and not enough space in the four big franchises, I almost want to say I made my name when I played at the Cheetahs and when they had a competition to play in,” the 26-year-old said.
“I don’t really know how you fix something like that but if you can maybe have more teams in South Africa, it would benefit a lot of the younger guys who come out of school.
“For a youngster to go through all the ranks in South Africa, it is tight and you have to be disciplined in yourself, work really hard to be seen. I played Varsity Cup, and after that went to the Sharks.
“I didn’t play as much but then I got the opportunity to play under Franco Smith at the Cheetahs and that was just amazing for me. He wanted to give me a go in the centres and now I’m capable of playing flyhalf, inside centre, outside centre.”
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