Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year

The nominations were announced on Monday on World Rugby's social media channels, and the winners will be announced on Sunday evening.

Am was named as one of the nominees for World Rugby's most prestigious award, the Men's 15s Player of the Year in partnership with Mastercard.

Along with Am, the other nominees in the category are last year's winner, Antoine Dupont of France, and the Ireland duo of Johnny Sexton and Josh van der Flier.

Together with Am, Springbok Women wing Nomawethu Mabenge was also nominated in the category for International Rugby Players Women's Try of the Year for her score in the first Test against Spain in Potchefstroom on 19 August, and SA Rugby was quick to congratulate both players.

"On behalf of SA Rugby and South Africa's passionate rugby fans, we would like to congratulate Lukhanyo and Nomawethu for their nominations this year," said SA Rugby President Mark Alexander.

"Only the best of the best are nominated for World Rugby awards and to be part of these selected groups is a superb achievement, we are very proud of them.

"Lukhanyo was in superb form for the Springboks before an unfortunate injury cut short his season, and he has cemented his place in our backline over the last few seasons, growing in confidence and playing better every year."

Am has long been viewed as one of the most talented players in the current Springbok side, but his performances in this year's Rugby Championship had some considering him the best rugby player in the world.

Unfortunately for the Boks, they are currently without the services of the star centre, who is still recovering from knee surgery.

Here's hoping Am, currently in the prime of his career, will be back in action soon.