The Sharks have announced the departure of Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am.
The double World Cup winner is heading back to Japan, with the Mitsubishi Dynaboars confirming his signing.
The 31-year-old, currently on the Springbok standby list for the end-of-year tour, joins Glenn Delaney’s Division One outfit ahead of the new League One season.
Am returns to Japan after a brief stint with the Kobe Steelers in 2022, where he scored three tries in six appearances.
The Dynaboars teased the move on Wednesday with a video clip showing Am in action for the Sharks during their URC win over the Scarlets earlier this month.
本日11:00、新たなダイナボアーズファミリーを発表します✨
We’ve got some special news coming at 11:00am today 🗞️
New member👀
Coming soon…🔜🐗#三菱重工相模原ダイナボアーズ pic.twitter.com/fqxObuuNRK— 三菱重工相模原ダイナボアーズ (@DYNABOARS) November 4, 2025
Am’s arrival comes as a major boost for the Sagamihara-based club, who lost Kurt-Lee Arendse following his dazzling campaign before rejoining the Bulls. The Dynaboars finished ninth last season and have strengthened significantly for 2025.
Am becomes the fifth South African on their roster, joining Pieter Scholtz, Walt Steenkamp, Friedle Olivier and Gideon Koegelenberg. The squad also includes several notable additions, such as Japan-born flyhalf Shun Miyake (from Canterbury) and Olympic sevens representative Jose Seru (from the Kintetsu Liners).
LUKHANYO: I know what it takes to be a Bok again
Delaney’s side also features Japan internationals Epineri Uluiviti and Charlie Lawrence, both part of Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms setup this season.
The Dynaboars have already played four warm-up games and will face the Toshiba Brave Lupus in Fuchu on 15 November, before hosting the Shizuoka Blue Revs on 29 November.
Their League One campaign kicks off against Jasper Wiese and Samu Kerevi’s Urayasu D-Rocks in Chiba on 13 December.
A leader. A Springbok. A Shark through and through.
With over 100 caps to his name, we say thank you to Lukhanyo Am for his years of dedication, leadership, and excellence in the black and white.
You’ve left an indelible mark on this club, both on and off the field. Wishing you… pic.twitter.com/tekw9C6u8Y
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) November 5, 2025
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
