Just In: A World Cup-winning Springbok is set to join many other South Africans currently playing in League One.
A World Cup-winning Springbok could be on his way to Japan to join many other South Africans currently playing in League One.
According to reports, centre Lukhanyo Am is considering a move to Japan to continue his playing career.
A serious knee injury has kept him out of Test rugby this entire year, but player depth in his position at both the Boks and the Sharks, could be tilting his decision in favour of a move abroad
A source has confirmed this to Rapport, saying, “He’s looking at a move to Japan.”
The 31-year-old has fallen behind Jesse Kriel and Canan Moodie in the Bok pecking order at outside centre while the Sharks also have several 13s at their disposal. But Am will still be playing in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship for the Sharks which begins in September.
Am is no stranger to Japan, having been an integral part of the Boks’ 2019 World Cup triumph there. He also had a short stint with the Kobelco Steelers in 2022, when he was granted a sabbatical by the Sharks.
If the move should materialise, the 42-Test Bok would join the likes of Malcolm Marx, Cheslin Kolbe, Faf de Klerk, Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Manie Libbok in Japan.
SA Rugby has in recent years relaxed its overseas selection policy, allowing Boks based abroad to still be considered for selection. However, the growing exodus does raise questions about the long-term depth in domestic teams like the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks, and Lions.
This latest departure underscores Japan’s growing influence on the global rugby landscape, and with the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, managing player workload and form from afar will be crucial for Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus.
