Van Rensburg ready to rumble for Bristol

WHEN Benhard Janse van Rensburg became available after London Irish folded in June, Pat Lam wasted no time in getting in touch with the South African centre.

- PAUL REES

Lam, Bristol’s director of rugby, saw the chance to finally plug the midfield gap left by Siale Piutau two years ago and a deal was agreed within a couple of weeks for a player who in his two seasons at Irish was one of the Premiership’s outstanding centres, equally at home at 12 or 13.

“We had an idea towards the end of the season at Irish that something bad could happen,” said the 26-year old van Rensburg, who arrived at Irish after spells with the Cheetahs and Sharks in South Africa and the Green Rockets in Japan.

“There was a lot of uncertainty and what made it all the more sad was that we were growing as a team every year to the point where I thought we would really challenge for a playoff spot this season.

“When the end came, I backed myself to find somewhere else. I had really enjoyed my two years and wanted to stay in the Premiership. When coach Pat called me and said he was interested, I was really excited to join Bristol.

“They have the same attitude to the game as Irish had, playing an exciting brand of rugby that I enjoy. It was an easy decision to join. I played at Ashton Gate twice for Irish and was taken by the atmosphere. It will be nice to be on the right side of the fans now.”