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Johannesburg - Lions centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg is enjoying life at his new team after making the move to Johannesburg from the Bulls.
Janse van Rensburg is considered to be one of the top talents coming through the South African rugby ranks. He was recognised as one of the top young centres after showing great pedigree as a schoolboy at Waterkloof, while he also enjoyed a successful run as a junior at the Bulls between 2010 and 2014.
He impressed for the Junior Springboks during last year’s Junior World Championship before injury prematurely ended his tournament.
The 20-year-old now enters a new and exciting chapter in his career has he completed a move from the Bulls to the Lions after the Currie Cup. He hopes to achieve more senior accolades at his new team.
“I made the change from the Bulls to the Lions for the chance to earn more opportunities and to get more exposure at senior level,” Janse van Rensburg told MyPlayers.co.za. “I want to play a bigger role at senior level, and I believe I can achieve at the Lions.
“It was an emotional decision as I’ve been at the Bulls since a schoolboy. But luckily, I have the right support system around me and I’m very happy with my decision so far.”
Janse van Rensburg said he was welcomed into the Lions family.
“That’s one thing that’s really great over here… the family environment. The guys have helped me to settle in quite quickly,” said Janse van Rensburg. “I’ve become good friends with all the guys. I spend most of my time with Ross Cronje and Sous (Franco Mostert).
“The great thing is that everybody is equal. Nobody is seen as senior or junior… we’re all treated the same. So that helps us younger players play our part in the senior squad. We’re not under pressure when we’re training or playing alongside the experienced guys. All that is expected of you is to do your best.”
The Lions achieved their most successful Super Rugby campaign in 2014, winning seven of their 16 fixtures. They also displayed an impressive style of attacking rugby, which Janse van Rensburg is excited to be a part of.
“At the Bulls, I was used mainly as a crash ball option, but I will have more freedom here at the Lions, which I’m very excited about,” said Janse van Rensburg. “The Lions have grown into a competitive force since their return to Super Rugby.”
With captain and loose forward Warren Whiteley making his Test debut, and tighthead prop Julian Redelinghuys and flank Jaco Kriel receiving national call-ups for the end-of-year tour to Europe, Janse Van Rensburg believes he can achieve his main goal of becoming a Springbok at the Lions.
“If I earn my chance of playing Super Rugby for the Lions, I will get more exposure against some of the best players in world rugby,” said Janse van Rensburg. “This will give me the opportunity to show the rugby world what I’m capable of.
“My main goals are doing well for the Lions and becoming a Springbok. With it being a World Cup year, it might be tough earning a national call-up this season. But 2016 will be a big opportunity for many young players like me.”
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