Don’t write off Lukhanyo Am just yet. The 32-year-old midfield maestro might be plying his trade in Japan Rugby League One, but his Springbok ambitions are burning brighter than ever, and Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff are clearly keeping tabs.
Am’s inclusion in the first round of alignment camps ahead of the 2026 season sent a clear message, despite the geographical distance and a challenging injury-ravaged 2024 campaign, the 42-cap centre remains firmly in the Bok mix. For a player who has spent considerable time on the treatment table over the past year, that nod from the coaching braintrust represents far more than just a callup, it’s validation that the journey back is on track.
The nod that changed everything
Speaking from Japan, where he currently represents Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars, Am couldn’t hide his delight at being included in the alignment camp programme.
“I think it was a special moment getting a nod on being involved in the alignment camp,” Am told KickOff.com. “The coaches, they’re still putting an eye on us over on this side. And it was also like a kind of a motivator, you know, for me, knowing that I’m still on the radar or coaches are still looking at what I’ve been doing in Japan. It’s been really motivating for me.”
Playing in Japan’s domestic competition puts players at a geographical disadvantage when it comes to Springbok selection. Yet the fact that the coaching staff are actively monitoring Am’s performances and physical condition speaks volumes about the esteem in which he’s held, and the potential role they see for him moving forward.
Reality check: Ticking the right boxes
What stands out about Am’s approach is the refreshing honesty and self-awareness he brings to the table. There’s no sense of entitlement, no assumption that caps earned in the past guarantee future selection. Instead, the Bok veteran understands exactly what’s required to force his way back into the national setup.
“Firstly, I need to be good enough,” Am stated bluntly. “I need to be good enough to be able to be selected and being able to compete at that level. So I think what I can control is first taking care of my body, making sure I’m fit, making sure I’m in a good condition, not just for the league that I’m playing in, but for national or Test-level conditioning.”
It’s a pragmatic assessment from a player who knows that Test rugby, particularly in the demanding Springbok system, requires peak physical conditioning. The gap between domestic Japanese rugby and international level is significant, and Am is acutely aware that bridge needs to be crossed.
“That’s what I can control, and that’s the challenge that I have,” Am continued. “And then, [it’s] back to the Springbok or the coaching staff, once as a player you tick their boxes, they’ll definitely call you through into the squad.”
The injury battle behind him
The shadow of injury has loomed large over Am’s recent career. Missing substantial chunks of last season would have been frustrating for any player, let alone one in their early thirties knowing that time is becoming increasingly precious. But with those fitness concerns now in the rear-view mirror, Am has the platform to showcase exactly why he remains one of South African rugby’s premier playmaking centres.
His 42 Test caps weren’t earned by accident. Am has been a crucial component of Springbok success, offering tactical intelligence, defensive solidity, and attacking vision in equal measure.
The 2026 question
The alignment camp invitation suggests the Springbok braintrust are keeping their options open. With the next international season still some way off, Am has time on his side to prove his fitness and form in Japan. Every performance, every training session, every conditioning metric becomes part of the portfolio he’s building.
Whether that translates into a Green and Gold jersey in 2026 remains to be seen. But one thing is abundantly clear: Lukhanyo Am hasn’t given up on the dream, and neither have the Springboks given up on him.
