Bok centre to leave Sharks for Japan

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks bid farewell to one of their Springbok stalwarts, who will further his career with Japan Rugby League One outfit the Dynaboars.

The Dynaboars confirmed that Lukhanyo Am will join their outfit for the 2025/26 JRLO season.

Am will have his second stint in the JRLO, having represented Kobe Steelers in 2022 on a short-term deal.

The 31-year-old represented the Sharks on 108 occasions and captained the side before as well.

He also won major trophies with the Boks, including a British and Irish Lions series, Rugby Championship and two World Cups – playing an instrumental role in breaking the match open in the 2019 RWC Final, unselfishly setting Makazole Mapimpi up for a match-defining try.

He joins a contingent of South African players with the likes of Pieter Scholtz, Walt Steenkamp, Friedle Olivier and former Sharks teammate Gideon Koegelenberg, who joined the team in October.

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A leader. A Springbok. A Shark through and through.

With over 100 caps to his name, we say thank you to Lukhanyo Am for his years of dedication, leadership, and excellence in the black and white.

You’ve left an indelible mark on this club, both on and off the field. Wishing you… pic.twitter.com/tekw9C6u8Y

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) November 5, 2025

The double World Cup winner will leave the Sharks with immediate effect to join his new team, with the JRLO season set to kick off on December 13.

He remains on the Boks’ stand-by list for their Nations Series tour.

Commenting on the move, Am said: “I am very excited to be joining the Dynaboars. I look forward to bringing my experience to the team and playing alongside my teammates and fans this season. See you all at the stadium!”

🟢NEW MEMBER 🐗🔥#ルカニョ・アム 選手が三菱重工相模原ダイナボアーズに加入します！

🟢ポジション：CTB/WTB
🟢生年月日：1993年11月28日
🟢身長/体重：186cm/97kg
🟢出身：南アフリカ
🟢経歴：
2015 ボーダー・ブルドッグス（南アフリカ/カリーカップ）
2016… pic.twitter.com/vAiDaZjrG8

— 三菱重工相模原ダイナボアーズ (@DYNABOARS) November 5, 2025