Lukhanyo Am keeping his options open over next World Cup cycle

Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am will be keeping his options firmly open over the coming World Cup cycle, as he considers whether to take his franchise rugby abroad or stay at the Sharks.

During the Boks’ trophy parade in East London over the weekend Am was asked whether he would be sticking with the Sharks or possibly looking to continue his playing career overseas.

Just last year, Am signed a contract extension with the Sharks until the end of the 2025 rugby season, and as a ‘thank you,’ according to Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee, was afforded a short two-month sojourn to play for Kobe Steelers in Japan.

That stint may have ignited an urge to play overseas again, although Am admitted that was not a decision he would be making any time soon, with plenty of time until the next Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.

“From World Cup to World Cup it is a big gap and what we strive for as athletes is to continuously improve, to stay competitive and stay relevant, and to try and perform week in and week out,” explained Am when asked about his future.

“So if an opportunity comes, you never know. There are various things that influence those decisions, on whether to go abroad or stay in South Africa.

“We are playing in international tournaments, in the URC and the Champions Cup, so it differs from individual to individual (if they want to play abroad).”

World Cup absence

Am was expected to be a major cog in the Boks’ recent World Cup campaign before he suffered a knee injury against Argentina in August, which ended up ruling him out of selection for the showpiece event.

However, after a good rehabilitation, Am was recalled to the Bok squad as an injury replacement for Makazole Mapimpi. But despite being available for the Boks’ knockout matches against France, England and New Zealand, he didn’t play a single minute as they battled their way to the title.

Despite not featuring in any games, Am did play an active role on the training pitch and admitted he was just happy to be a part of it.

“For me the most important thing was getting fit as soon as I could, whether it was for the World Cup or for the Sharks in the URC competition. That’s what was going through my mind (while he was injured),” said Am.

“I think being called back into the World Cup squad was very special and I was happy to be a part of the team.”