Lam, Bristol’s director of rugby, saw the chance to finally plug the midfield gap left by Siale Piutau two years ago and a deal was agreed within a couple of weeks for a player who in his two seasons at Irish was one of the Premiership’s outstanding centres, equally at home at 12 or 13.
“We had an idea towards the end of the season at Irish that something bad could happen,” said the 26-year old van Rensburg, who arrived at Irish after spells with the Cheetahs and Sharks in South Africa and the Green Rockets in Japan.
“There was a lot of uncertainty and what made it all the more sad was that we were growing as a team every year to the point where I thought we would really challenge for a playoff spot this season.
“When the end came, I backed myself to find somewhere else. I had really enjoyed my two years and wanted to stay in the Premiership. When coach Pat called me and said he was interested, I was really excited to join Bristol.
“They have the same attitude to the game as Irish had, playing an exciting brand of rugby that I enjoy. It was an easy decision to join. I played at Ashton Gate twice for Irish and was taken by the atmosphere. It will be nice to be on the right side of the fans now.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.
