Sharks get timely Bok boost

SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks' United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign has received a major boost.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's clash against Connacht, Sharks coach Sean Everitt confirmed that Lukhanyo Am will be available for their final URC league match.

Am will conclude his short-term stint with Japanese club Kobe Steelers next week and will return to return to Durban in two weeks' time.

Am, who extended his contract with the Sharks until 2025, was granted a brief sojourn from his commitments and has been in Japan for two months.

"Lukhanyo finishes up in Japan next week and we look forward to having him the following week," Everitt told reporters.

"I haven’t seen Lukhanyo play in Japan but I have been in contact with him on a weekly basis.

"He [Am] is in a good space and enjoying the opportunity. He is playing with international stars and has a world-class coach. So we look forward to him coming home and sharing the knowledge with the team."

Everitt added: "He says everything has been going well and he is fit and ready to play for us in the games that remain for us.”

In Am’s absence, World Cup-winning national captain Siya Kolisi took over the captain's armband and has been supported and assisted by Thomas du Toit.

This weekend the Sharks will be led by Du Toit when they face Connacht on Saturday.

@rugby365com