Lukhanyo to lead Sharks

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Centre Lukhanyo Am has been named as the Sharks’ captain for the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season.

The 26-year-old World Cup winner has been playing for the Sharks since 2017 and has now risen to the top as the team’s leader. Am takes over the captaincy from Louis Schreuder, who has been appointed as one of five vice-captains alongside Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Curwin Bosch and Thomas du Toit.

Reacting to his appointment, Am said: ‘It is a huge honour and privilege to be chosen to lead this team of brothers. We have an exciting new squad of players and management, who are eager to make their mark and to see us grow as a group. We will all be working together with positivity and eagerness, making sure the team always comes first.’

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Coach Everitt, who will be in charge of the union’s Super Rugby team for the first time this season, says he handpicked Am for this role because the player brings a winning culture to the team.

‘He has an enormous presence in the team and is a brilliant rugby player. I respect his commitment and dedication to the Sharks and I have no doubt that his captaincy role will inspire the young players around him to give of their best,’ Everitt explained.

‘Lukhanyo will be ably assisted by a group of co-leaders who will provide valuable input and support in key areas of the Sharks game.

‘Louis Schreuder, himself no stranger to a leadership role, will assist with game management, while Andre Esterhuizen will provide defensive support, with another World Cup winner in Makazole Mapimpi managing our transition and Curwin Bosch assisting with our attack. From a forward perspective, Thomas du Toit will assist with set-piece feedback.’

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