Benhard reaping reward for his versatility at Irish

VERSATILE London Irish back Benhard Janse van Rensburg is relishing playing in a variety of positions alongside experienced internationals as the club aim for their first top four finish in 13 years.

The South African, right, who is equally adept at fly-half, centre or fullback, has featured in 17 of Irish’s 18 Premiership matches this season and is learning every week.

He said: “My versatility has been very important, it has meant I can slot in at any place in any team they need me and as a player I can grow in any position.

“The more games I get the better because you get used to putting yourself in different situations and grow from there. It’s great to get more game time as it makes me feel more comfortable in the team.”

After last season’s ninth place finish, Irish are mounting a playoff push with Declan Kidney’s side just one point outside the top four. Irish have secured impressive away wins over Exeter, Harlequins and Bristol, and Van Rensburg believes Irish have a great blend in the squad.

He said: “Playing with experienced internationals like Nick Phipps, Agustin Creevy and

Paddy

Jackson brings a calmness over me. They take the pressure off because of their experience and they know how to make new players in the team feel comfortable. “It’s amazing for me because I and all the other junior players can learn from them.”

The 25-year-old joined the club at the start of the season from Japanese outfit

NEC Green Rockets after starring in South Africa for the Cheetahs.

Van Rensburg made history in his home country when he scored the first ever nine-point try in Varsity Cup history in 2016.

A try is worth the usual five points but to encourage flair and adventurous play there are additional bonus points awarded if the move starts in the team’s own half and they kept possession from start to finish.

He said: “I didn’t even think I was going to make my debut that year, I was just hoping I was back up fly-half and all of a sudden the week before the first game, the fly-half got injured and I was the only one left.

“I didn’t even think about the nine point try and after the game my parents came and told me and that’s when I realised I’ve done something to go into the history books.”