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Benhard Janse van Rensburg signs third Bristol deal in a little over three years

The 29-year-old England centre's new contract is of undisclosed length, and he could be back for the Exeter Chiefs game on Saturday 24 October.

By RuckBee Newsroom1 min read
A comic-style rugby illustration of the Bristol Bears home kit.
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Bristol Bears have tied down Benhard Janse van Rensburg again. The South African-born England centre has signed his third contract with the club in a little over three years.

The Premiership club have not said how long the new deal runs. The 29-year-old joined Bristol from London Irish in June 2023 and extended his contract in November 2025, so this is his second extension.

A lot has changed since the last one. Janse van Rensburg was born in South Africa and became eligible for England on residency grounds in July 2026. He then scored a try on his Test debut, against Fiji.

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam was clear about how highly he rates the centre. "I'm absolutely delighted BV has extended his time at Bristol as he is genuinely one of the best players I have had the privilege to coach," Lam said.

Janse van Rensburg said the club's style of rugby suits the way he plays. "I've really enjoyed the way we play rugby here," he said.

He started Bristol's first two matches of the season but was stretchered off after a collision in their win over Northampton in October, and he is now going through return-to-play protocols.

Lam suggested the centre would miss the next two matches, BBC Sport reported. If so, he could be available to face Exeter Chiefs on Saturday 24 October.

Sources

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