Sharks centre Lukhanyo Am is on the cover of the new SA Rugby magazine, on sale this week!
Am has picked up for the Sharks this season where he left off for the Springboks last year.
His 2018 campaign was frustratingly cut short when he suffered an arm injury against the All Blacks in Wellington, just when he looked set to make the Bok No 13 jersey his own. But if the 25-year-old’s early Super Rugby form is anything to go by, it should only be a matter of time before he gets it back.
Am is highly rated by his coaches at Test and franchise levels, and in this issue, chief rugby writer Jon Cardinelli asks two of them – Mzwandile Stick and David Williams – what makes the midfielder so special.
Also in the new issue:
– While Schalk Brits looks set to go to the World Cup with the Springboks, Bismarck du Plessis and Akker van der Merwe remain in the running
– In a challenging economic climate, privatisation in South African rugby has been touted as a possible means to add much-needed financial stability and professionalism to the game
– Rugby has been the casualty in the battle between Western Province’s professional and amateur arms
– Too few black coaches have been utilised and developed at Super Rugby and national levels over the past five years. SA Rugby magazine investigates why the franchises have failed to meet the targets
– South Africa’s top rugby schools need to produce more black talent
– Cheetahs wing Rabz Maxwane is fulfilling his rugby destiny
– Isma’eel Dollie has gone from Peter de Villiers’ beloved flyhalf to managing the careers of South Africa’s elite players. Along the way he has played for Western Province for free, been emotionally damaged by the game, wondered if he could have had a hugely successful career in cricket instead, and now has ambitions on the biggest coaching gig in the country
– The Blitzboks have been forced to rebuild this season
– UWC coach Chester Williams on adjusting to the Varsity Cup, transformation and why his players must also perform academically
– French rugby is at an all-time low. There are growing safety concerns among parents, and the sport is being left behind by football in the popularity stakes. So, what can be done?
– Joe Pietersen on his successful San Diego stint, the growth of Major League Rugby and his role in rhino conservation
