Bristol Bears centre Janse van Rensburg out after two concussions

Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been stood down from all rugby duties indefinitely after suffering two concussions in a three-month span. The Bristol Bears centre is 29 years old and recently signed a contract extension with the club.

The latest injury occurred on October 3 during a win over the Northampton Saints. Janse van Rensburg was knocked unconscious by the knee of England teammate Henry Pollock while attempting a tackle. Players on the field alerted the referee to stop play, and Janse van Rensburg was carried off on a stretcher. He later watched the team celebrate the victory from the sidelines.

England head coach Steve Borthwick confirmed the player will not play in the upcoming Nations Championship. Janse van Rensburg will miss matches against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, as well as the finals weekend in London at the end of November.

The player made his England Test debut against Fiji in July. The Rugby Football Union secured special permission from World Rugby to allow him to qualify on residency grounds. This exception was necessary because he played for South Africa at the U20 level, which typically claims players for the Springboks. He scored a try on that debut. His second appearance, played in Argentina, ended early after he took another hard hit to the head.

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said the player is currently training but must wait for clearance from an independent medical advisor. Lam noted that the process is outside the control of the player, the club, and the coaching staff. He added that safety is the top priority, even though the player is frustrated and would like to return immediately.

Borthwick stated that Janse van Rensburg has seen a specialist who advised a number of weeks of non-contact work. The coach said the player will be reintroduced to rugby over the coming weeks. The Bears are hoping to have him back in time for their derby match against Bath at the start of December.

Janse van Rensburg next has a chance to play for England during the Six Nations tournament. His availability for that competition depends on his recovery and return to action for the club.