Van Rensburg in WC Qualifier

Celtic Crusaders? Shawn Van Rensburg has made himself available to play for Wales in the World Cup qualifiers later this year. Signed from Newport Gwent Dragons earlier this year, the big second-rower has also played union for Bridgend, Neath, Pontypool, English Division One side Coventry and French side Toulon.

Wales will play against Scotland and the winner of the qualifying group between Russia, Georgia, Holland and Serbia in the autumn. This is now more than likely to be Georgia following their 57-16 win over Holland in front of almost 11,000 fans in Tbilisi last Friday.

Van Rensburg was born in South Africa but is now a Welsh national after his marriage to Bridgend-born Sharon. They also have a Welsh-born son, eight month old, Louis. He was picked for the Welsh rugby union squad during his days with the 15-man code but didn?t manage to get a game. He now hopes that his World Cup ambitions will be achieved with Wales in the 13-man code.

Van Rensburg said: ?I now feel more Welsh than South African. I have firmly made Wales my home and I want to represent what is now my country.

?I was disappointed that I didn?t get a chance to represent Wales in union but I?m now a league player and my goal is to help Wales qualify for the 2008 World Cup Finals in Australia.

?Celtic Crusaders is a good club to play for ? we?ve got a fantastic team spirit and I?m really enjoying myself here. I want to help them to promotion and then finish the 2006 season by representing Wales.?

CymruRL chairman, Mark Rowley is pleased that Van Rensburg has made himself available for Wales. Rowley said: ?It?s great that someone of Shawn?s quality has come over to rugby league and we?re pleased that he?s playing so well for the Crusaders. He?ll be looked at along with all the other Welsh players and will be kept in mind for selection for the World Cup qualifiers when the time comes.?