Hi Nick,
The default condition (SEL_VREFH/SEL_VREFL cleared) is for the reference signals to come from the VRH & VRL pins. The other option is for the references to come from the AN2/AN6 pins. On a previous device (with same ADC), the internal VREFH/VREFL signals were generated from VDDA/VSSA because there were no external VRH/VRL pins. That's why you are able to get the signals from AN2/AN6 as a second option. On this device however, there are VRH/VRL pins so the documentation is a little confusing.
Thanks,
Mac