Bok fans rejoice as Sharks confirm return of Lukhanyo Am

Springbok star Lukhanyo Am has returned to full fitness and will be on the bench when the Sharks return to action in the Champions Cup against Bordeaux Bègles on Friday.

The news will also be particularly welcome for Springbok fans, who were robbed of seeing the skilled centre in action during the Boks' recent end-of-year tour.

Long viewed as one of the most talented players in the current Springbok side, Am really solidified his reputation as a world-beater with his performances against the likes of New Zealand, Australia and Wales in 2022.

Unfortunately for Springbok fans, the 29-year-old injured his knee against the Wallabies in Sydney and had to undergo surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the year.

Since then, Am has sat on the sidelines raking in the awards and plaudits for his performances throughout the year.

In October, he was voted Players' Player of the Year by his peers in the rugby fraternity, which was quickly followed by a nomination for World Rugby Player of the Year.

Am was also named in World Rugby's Team of the Year and has just been nominated for the SA Rugby Player of the Year Award for the second year running.

Now, Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell has named Am on the bench for Friday night's clash against Bordeaux Bègles in France, as he joins a formidable Sharks line-up that includes fellow Boks Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Jaden Hendrikse and Makazole Mapimpi.

Sharks: 15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phendulani Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain), 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Lukhanyo Am.

Date: Friday, December 16Venue: Stade Chaban-Delmas, BordeauxKick-off: 21:00 local (22.00 SA time)Referee: Christophe RidleyAssistant referees: Hamish Smales, James ClarkeTMO: Dean Richards