The Sharks have confirmed the departure of Springbok centre and two-time Rugby World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am, who is heading back to Japan to join the Mitsubishi Dynaboars.
Am, 31, rejoins the Japanese League One after a brief but successful stint with Kobe Steelers in 2022, where he scored three tries in six appearances.
His move to Glenn Delaney’s Division One outfit marks another chapter in his impressive career — one built on class, consistency, and leadership both at domestic and international levels.
Currently on the Springbok standby list for the end-of-year tour, Am’s exit will be felt deeply in Durban, where he’s been a key figure for the Sharks and one of the URC’s standout centres.
The Dynaboars teased the signing earlier this week with a slick video clip of Am’s recent performance against the Scarlets, hinting at what fans in Japan can expect this season.
Am joins a growing South African contingent at the club, including Pieter Scholtz, Walt Steenkamp, Friedle Olivier, and Gideon Koegelenberg.
The Dynaboars, who finished ninth last season, have bolstered their squad ahead of 2025 — also signing Shun Miyake from Canterbury and Olympic sevens star Jose Seru.
Their League One campaign kicks off on 13 December against Urayasu D-Rocks, featuring Jasper Wiese and Samu Kerevi — setting the stage for Am’s highly anticipated return to Japan’s top flight.
For Sharks fans, it’s farewell (for now) to one of their modern greats. For Japan, it’s the return of a world-class talent ready to make his mark once again.
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