Lukhanyo Am has won the 2022 Men’s Fifteens SA Players’ Player of the Year award.

The centre has had an outstanding year for both the Sharks and Springboks to claim the accolade ahead of other nominees, including Eben Etzebeth, Malcolm Marx, Evan Roos and Damian Willemse.

“It remains a special award to receive,” said the centre. “What makes it great is that it was voted for by my teammates and fellow players. I am honoured.

“This has really been an amazing season for me. I had a good start, and I finished it on a high as well before I got injured.

“Throughout, I felt in good form, and importantly, I felt confident every second I was on the field. For the season that lies ahead, I really hope to take up where I left off.”

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This year, members of MyPlayers also decided to add two additional categories, with Zain Davids claiming the Men’s Sevens accolade while Nadine Roos was elected ahead of Ayanda Malinga, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Sizophila Solontsi as the South African Women’s Player of the Year.

“Following the 2021 MyPlayers Awards, several players approached us about the format and categories of the annual player-led honours,” explained Eugene Henning, CEO of MyPlayers. “It was felt that the Blitzboks and Bok Women, sevens and fifteens, didn’t have a fair chance to be recognised beyond categories such as Best off the Bench, Backline Player or Most Improved Player of the Year.

“Subsequently, we retired almost all existing categories and introduced only three Players’ Player of the Year awards. By doing this, the players are acknowledging the status and growth of South African rugby beyond the men’s fifteens game.”

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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images