Lukhanyo Am set for Sharks return

South Africa international Lukhanyo Am is set to make a comeback to Sharks following his short stint in Japan.

The 2019 World Cup winning centre had been part of Sharks since 2017 but went to join Kobelco Kobe Steelers in 2022.

However, with the Kobe based club not making to the play-offs, the 28-year-old is set to be available for Sharks' United Rugby Championship game against Ulster on 20th May.

“Lukhanyo will be back, he finishes up in Japan next week and we are looking forward to having him back in the following week,” Sharks coach Sean Everitt told TimesLIVE.

“We haven’t watched any of his games, but I have chatted to him on a weekly basis and he is in a good space and really enjoying the opportunity that he has over there.

“He is playing with international stars in his team over there and obviously being coached by really good coaches. We are looking forward to him coming home and sharing the knowledge that he has gained from there.”