Lukhanyo Am – I Would Encourage Players To Come and Play in the Japan Rugby League One

Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am has spent the season with the Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars in the JRLO, but the team have endured a tough season and, with the tail end of the campaign upon us, looks set to play for Division 1 survival. He shares his experiences, goals and impressions of the JRLO as well as his Springbok ambitions.

All Photo Credit – JRLO

Am has played in 13 of the 15 matches so far this season and scored four tries. He previously played with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan, and we were interested to see if he thinks the JRLO has changed in the time that he’s been away and if the standards have changed?

“I always knew that I would return to play in Japan at some stage in my career. This was the right time for me, and I felt it would be beneficial for me and for my career to be in a different environment and enjoy my rugby.

Players talk about the fact that playing here gives their bodies a chance to recover compared to some leagues where they arguably get more of a battering, such as playing in the northern hemisphere (where there are a lot more games in a season). It gives them a chance to reset and get their bodies right. Brodie Retallick is a great example of that. I mean, he’s obviously killing it now (in the JRLO).

I think overall, with how we train here, and how we manage the weeks, etc. I think for backs, it’s pretty much similar. It’s physical, and it’s fast week in and week out, and you play against quality backs. It might be a different game for some forwards, but for us, I think it’s competitive weekly, and that’s what you want.”

Photo Credit – JRLO

One of Am’s Japanese club teammates is Sean Miyake, who was born in Kobe but has already spent many years in New Zealand after attending High School and playing in Christ’s College 1st XV team for three years from 2017 to 2019. He then competed in the Crusaders’ Under 18 team, U20 and B team. In 2021, Miyake played two games for the New Zealand Universities team and played for Canterbury in the NPC.

Even though he represented Japan U20, he turned down the opportunity to play for Japan A, as he feared that that might make it impossible under World Rugby’s eligibility rules to realise his dream of one day playing for the All Blacks.

Am said of the scrumhalf who has played for the Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars 11 times this season and scored a hat-trick in Round 7 against Tokyo Sungoliath;

“I think it’s been really good for the team that he has gotten games under his belt. He has shown himself to be a quality player and can be sharp on the day. As a group, we have enjoyed every moment and every game, even though I think we’ve left a couple of W’s out there throughout the season with close losses. So I have not been really happy with our performances.”

When asked what advice he would give to other players considering playing in Japan, he explained:

“I would definitely encourage them to come. It is very competitive, and there are exciting players, and the quality of rugby with moving the ball around and trying to identify space, it helps you as a back and just grows your game. Overall, I don’t know whether that’s a coincidence that so many Springboks have been over here for a few years and remain competitive, maintain that edge and be able to perform for the national team.

I have been trying to contribute where I can and where I am needed, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I have made great memories with my teammates, and it’s been helped by being backed by the management staff.”

Compared to the URC or Super Rugby, he commented that the game in general has evolved. 

“Ten years ago. I think Super Rugby was probably the best competition in the world, and then moving to the URC, which was a different style of play, we were playing a lot more against other international players; it was very tactically-driven, and the set piece was more prominent.

Moving here to Japan, there is more of a Super Rugby mindset or style. Teams attack more with the ball in hand and look to identify space. It’s a good competition and has its own unique style of rugby. But it’s still up there and really competitive.”

Am’s Springbok Ambitions Remain The Same 

Photo Credit – JRLO

One of the reasons the two-time Rugby World Cup winner, who has 42 caps for the Springboks, moved to Japan was to regain the form he had when he won the RWC 2019 and was considered one of the best centres and players in the world, and force his way back into Rassie Erasmus’s Bok squad heading to RWC 2027.

When asked if he had mapped out his plans and goals, he said the desire to play for South Africa remains the same. Both regular starting centres for the Boks play in Japan too –  Jesse Kriel and Damian De Allende.

“I am still competitive and still playing the quality competition, and obviously trying to play my best rugby that I can. There are processes in place, and the coaching staff backs a player if he does play well and shows the desire and meets the Springbok requirements.

I think I am playing my part or my role, and hopefully can work myself back into the group, as it’s a special group. Playing for your national team will always be the pinnacle. At the moment, I am concentrating on working on my game and just making sure I’m lifting my standards all the time.”

Lukhanyo Am was included in the Bok overseas-based players selected for the alignment camp in March. 

“It was a special moment, getting a nod for being involved in the alignment camp. The coaches still have an eye on us over on this side. It was a real motivator, knowing that I’m still on the radar.”

He also stressed that the strong Bok contingent playing in Japan has benefited the Springboks over recent years.

“It’s been a real advantage having this big group being able to play overseas with different experiences, different coaching styles, and growing their game, and coming back to South Africa, to represent their country with all of this information, and trying to align that creativeness with the Springbok coaching staff.”

Photo Credit – JRLO

What Advice Would Lukhanyo Am Give Younger Players?

Am shared his words of wisdom to the young players coming through, saying, “The best advice I’d give to someone young is for them to be comfortable being themselves. It can be intimidating, but I think if the youngsters are open-minded to learning, to growing, but also to bring their energy – step out there and don’t be shy, but be open and contribute the best they can.

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