Lukhanyo Am plots Bok comeback as Japan stint fuels 2027 World Cup dream
SPOTLIGHT: Double World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am remains firmly on a mission to fight his way back into the Springbok setup, with his move to Japan forming part of that journey and the dream of another World Cup still very much alive.
The Springbok centre’s rugby IQ, elite defensive reads, and quiet leadership have made him the ultimate rugby mastermind in recent years.
From being overlooked to outsmarting the world’s best, Am’s journey is far from over, and he’s coming back for that No.13 jersey.
He last featured in the Green and Gold in their wins over Scotland and England up north in 2024.
The Bok centre sat down with a handful of reporters on Monday to discuss his time away from the Springboks and his newfound impetus since joining the Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars in November last year.
A string of injuries has plagued the talented outside centre, who was once considered the best player in the world during his incredible 2021/2022 season.
After an illustrious career at the Sharks, he returned to Japan to join the Dynaboars in Japan Rugby League One after a brief spell with Kobe Steelers in 2022, where he scored three tries in six appearances.
The 32-year-old won the 2019 Rugby World Cup with the Springboks and was an injury replacement four years later as South Africa clinched the William Webb Ellis Cup again.
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Am joined the Sharks from the Southern Kings in 2016 and has gone on to play over 100 times for the men in black and white, winning the Currie Cup and Challenge Cup with the side.
The centre also captained the Sharks several times, first taking on the role in 2020 following the retirement of club legend Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira.
Dynaboars are coached by ex-Highlanders and Scarlets coach Glenn Delaney.
Am joined a band of South Africans at Dynaboards as prop Pieter Scholtz, lock Walt Steenkamp and flanker Friedle Olivier, as well as well-travelled lock Gideon Koegelenberg, who all arrived in October.
Japan-born flyhalf Shun Miyake arrived from Canterbury last month, while Fiji-born lock Jose Seru, who represented Japan at the Tokyo Olympics in Sevens, moved from Osaka side Kintetsu Liners to Sagamihara in August.
The Dynaboars’ roster also boasts several Japan internationals, including lock Epineri Uluiviti and inside centre Charlie Lawrence, who are both with Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms on their Autumn tour.
In 2025, Am missed out on international rugby when his troubling knee once again sidelined him for most of the season.
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When the Springboks played Australia in the opening round of the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park last year, Am was in the stands to support his teammates during the Friday morning captain’s run.
He confessed that it was quite difficult to watch the Boks from the sidelines.
“This game we play is really tough. Injuries happen, and some guys pick up their fitness quicker; some guys take longer,” Am told Rugby365.
“For me, I’m experienced enough; I’ve had my ups and downs throughout my career, and being sidelined is always tough.
“But it’s also a bittersweet feeling watching the boys do well.
“Being out is tough. You want to be part, you want to make those memories. So it was tough, but it was rewarding watching the boys do well.”
Earlier in the year, Am was recalled to Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ alignment camp, which came somewhat out of the blue for Am after having to sit out for all the Test matches in 2025.
“It was a special moment getting the nod to be involved in the extended alignment camp and to know that the coaches are still keeping an eye on us this side.
“And it was also a motivator for me, knowing that I am still on the radar, the coaches are still looking at what I have been doing here in Japan. So it has been really motivating for me, happy,” he said with a broad smile.
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Am opened up about his aspirations to get back into the Green and Gold and did not shy away from his dream to attend another World Cup, which is on his radar in 2027 in Australia.
“I need to be good enough to be selected and be able to compete at that level.
“What I can control is first of all taking care of my body, making sure I’m fit and in a good condition, not just for the League I am playing in, but for a national or Test level condition,” he explained, and added, “That is what I can control, and that is the challenge that I have.
“If you tick the Springbok coaches’ boxes as a player, they will draw you into the squad.
“The desire is still there. I am still competitive, still playing in a quality competition, and trying to play the best rugby I can.
“From my side, just playing my part and hopefully working myself back into the group. It’s just a special group and playing for your national team will always be the pinnacle.
“So at the moment I am just working on my game and making sure I am lifting the standards all the time.”
