Veteran Centre Lukhanyo Am Targets Springbok Return and 2027 World Cup Following Japan Transition

Springbok legend Lukhanyo Am discusses his move to Japan and his determination to return to the national team for the 2027 World Cup. Read the full interview.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 4:01 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Lukhanyo Am Pursues International Re-entry via Japan Rugby League One

Lukhanyo Am is actively leveraging his stint in Japan to facilitate a return to the South African national team. The veteran outside centre, who joined the Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars in November last year, believes his current environment provides the necessary platform to rebuild his match fitness and form. According to Am, the move to the Dynaboars is a strategic step toward his ultimate goal of competing in the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. After a period defined by intermittent availability, the midfielder is focusing on maintaining a physical condition that meets the high intensity of Test-level rugby.

Overcoming Physical Setbacks and National Sideline Frustrations

The journey back to the green and gold has been complicated by a recurring knee injury that significantly limited Am's contributions during the 2025 international season. Reflecting on his time away from the pitch, Am admitted that watching the Springboks perform from the stands was a bittersweet experience. While he expressed pride in the team's success, he noted the difficulty of missing out on the collective memories formed during major tournaments. Having won the 2019 World Cup and served as an injury replacement during the 2023 triumph, the 32-year-old remains driven by a competitive desire to contribute once again.

Alignment Camp Recall Provides Strategic Motivation

A significant milestone in Am’s comeback journey occurred earlier this year when he was invited to attend coach Rassie Erasmus’ extended alignment camp. For Am, this call-up served as a vital indicator that he remains a primary consideration for the national selection committee despite playing abroad. He described the nod as a major motivator, confirming that his performances in Japan are being actively monitored by the Springbok management. This recognition has reinforced his commitment to lifting his personal standards to ensure he is "good enough to be selected" when the next international window opens.