Sharks coach reveals Lukhanyo Am was set to leave last December

It was recently confirmed that Lukhanyo Am is taking up a deal in Japan, with reports having previously linked him with a “life-changing” offer. Yet, the Sharks have confirmed it is just a short-term deal, and that he has in fact recommitted to the Durban franchise.

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The Sharks will head into this weekend’s United Rugby Championship match against the Scarlets with Marius Louw and Jeremy Ward in the midfield, while Siya Kolisi takes over the captaincy.

Coach Sean Everitt revealed that Am was originally meant to head to Japan in December last year, but the detection of the Covid-19 Omicron variant delayed those plans.

“Lukhanyo was supposed to leave us early in December and then due to the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the borders of Japan closed so he was obviously unable to go.

“So, he was always going to go. It’s just unfortunate that it comes at this time of the season when we have got these home games in a row and are sitting on eighth on the log, that he has to go. But it is a deal we have signed with him and we must honour it. There are no hard feelings between the two of us at all.

“Jeremy has played well when he has played for the Sharks, so it’s great that he can have another opportunity,” Everitt added. “Marius and Jeremy have carried that responsibility in the midfield for a number of seasons now and have performed admirably. It’s a great opportunity for them to play in the URC together.

“Lukhanyo has done well in that role as a playmaker in the midfield. Marius has played really well over the last couple of weeks and we have worked hard on what we want to achieve with both of those centres that will be starting on Friday night. In saying that, playing in Durban, people tend to be a bit more conservative with ball in hand.”

Sharks team to face the Scarlets

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Tito Bonilla, 23 Werner Kok.