Bristol boss Pat Lam confirms six-week rugby stand-down for Janse van Rensburg

Bristol Bears boss Pat Lam confirmed that England centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been stood down for six weeks after two significant concussions in his last three games. His media call was covered on October 28 by RugbyPass.

The 29-year-old made his England debut in July. He also left the field on a stretcher during England’s win over Argentina that month, RUCK said. On October 3, he was knocked unconscious while trying to tackle Northampton Saints' Henry Pollock at Ashton Gate.

His absence rules him out of all four of England’s November internationals, including the second phase of the Nations Championship.

Longer recovery before a planned Bath return

Lam said an independent medical adviser wanted more recovery time beyond the normal concussion protocol. The advice was four to six weeks, and Lam supported choosing the more cautious six-week option.

Janse van Rensburg was in week four of that period and taking part in Bristol’s skills training, Lam said. He must avoid contact work for another fortnight, giving him more time to build back into contact.

Lam said the centre had wanted to play the previous week and was “extremely frustrated” by the extended absence.

Lam said Bristol will hold Janse van Rensburg out of matches until the next block of Gallagher PREM fixtures. He expects the centre to return in round six at Bath’s The Rec on December 4, subject to medical clearance.