Sharks lose their captain...

NEWS: The Sharks will be losing their captain to a Japanese club at a very important time in the season.

The Sharks have announced that Lukhanyo Am has extended his contract with the Union for a further three years, until 2025.

To this end, Am has been granted a brief sojourn from his commitments with the team, as he takes up a short-term stint at Kobe Steelers in Japan for two months, as from next week.

The two-month stint does ensure that Am will be back in time for the United Rugby Championship play-offs, should the Sharks progress to the qualifiers.

This short-term release was afforded to Am based on his current commitment to the Sharks, both in the past and for the future.

In Lukhanyo’s absence, World Cup-winning national captain Siya Kolisi will take over the captaincy role and will be ably supported and assisted by Thomas du Toit, who is himself a key and respected leader in the team both on and off the field.

“Building a world-class squad that fights for success and performs with distinction is all about identifying talent, recruiting where necessary and above all, retaining your top players,” explained Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee.

“We are thrilled that Lukhanyo has thrown his full support behind what we at The Sharks are trying to achieve and he has committed his substantial abilities and player excellence to The Sharks for the next three years. His contribution to the Sharks has been phenomenal and we look forward with eager anticipation to the next few years with him as an integral member of the team.

“At the Sharks, we want to provide our players with opportunities, be it bringing in new players or those already in the system,” Coetzee added.

Lukhanyo Am commits to The Sharks until 2025 🖤

Full article: https://t.co/b3T5JP99BB#OurSharksForever pic.twitter.com/foj9sgCXl3

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) March 3, 2022