Centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg has admitted that he “probably would have loved to” play for his native South Africa, but denied Rassie Erasmus’ claim he was in talks over a Springboks call-up before making his England debut.

Janse van Rensburg, who represented South Africa’s under-20 side, became eligible for England this summer after living in the country for five years and scored on his Test bow against Fiji in Liverpool in July.

The previous week South Africa head coach Erasmus had claimed Van Rensburg had been “very keen” in talks with Springboks officials, but ultimately wasn’t selected.

“I only heard about it because my dad told me Rassie said it,” Janse van Rensburg told Rugby Union Weekly.

“I would have probably loved to, but really every team I play for, I want to do my best and whatever comes after that, comes after that.

“When Rassie said he wanted to pick me, I was in the dark.

“I hadn’t heard anything from them. Whatever he said, whether that was true or not, I didn’t know about it.”

The selection of the 29-year-old for England ahead of talents brought through the domestic system has attracted criticism.

Danny Care, who won 101 caps in his England career, said Janse van Rensburg’s selection “doesn’t sit right”, while former centres Jeremy Guscott, external and Mike Tindall , externalalso questioned the call.

Janse van Rensburg has tried to avoid the commentary around his promotion into the England team, but says he can see its critics’ perspective.

“It is understandable that that there’s going to be some people that don’t like it and some people that do like it,” he added.

“People probably still have their thoughts and how they feel about it.

“For me, I probably can’t prove them wrong. I just want to do my best for whichever team I play for.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to go to that next level of playing rugby.”

Janse van Rensburg crossed for a try three minutes after coming on for Henry Slade in the 73-8 win over Fiji, before also appearing off the bench in the 31-24 win in Argentina the following weekend.

He says his integration has been eased by having previously played the Call of Duty video game against some of the squad, with a Leicester group including Jack van Poortvliet, George Martin and Freddie Steward joining him online.

While on tour this summer, he has been successful in more analogue pursuits.

“I think I made about 300-odd pounds on tour, just by winning all the cards,” he said

“At Bristol we play, but not for money, so I’ve just gotten good at it. And then, as soon as it was for money, I just pocketed.

“All of the boys have just made me feel like I’m playing a normal game for my local club. They made me feel so welcome and it is so easy for me to not have any nerves and just go and enjoy it.”