Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk Springboks
Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa celebrates with Faf de Klerk and Lukhanyo Am of South Africa after scoring his team’s first try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 02, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/AFP)

Home » Springboks call-up Lukhanyo Am for World Cup duty

Springboks call-up Lukhanyo Am for World Cup duty

Lukhanyo Am will replace the injured Makazole Mapimpi in the Springboks’ 33-man squad at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

By Mariette Adams
02-10-23 15:33
in Featured
Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk Springboks
Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa celebrates with Faf de Klerk and Lukhanyo Am of South Africa after scoring his team’s first try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 02, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/AFP)

Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am will join the national team in Toulon later this week after being called into the squad to fill the vacancy created by wing Makazole Mapimpi, who was ruled out of the Rugby World Cup in France on Monday due to a fractured eye socket which he sustained in the Test against Tonga on Sunday night.

ALSO READ: Who will Springboks call up to replace Mapimpi?

The inclusion of Am, who is yet to return to action after an injury ruled him out of contention for selection for the RWC squad, brings the full complement of players in the team back to 33.

Am, who was a member of the 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning team in Japan, spent some time in camp with the squad for their final two warm-up games against Wales and the All Blacks in August.

ALSO READ: Makazole Mapimpi ruled OUT of World Cup

SPRINGBOKS BRING BACK LUKHANYO AM

While there has been no official comment from the Springboks regarding Am’s recall, World Rugby confirmed the centre’s return to the World Cup stage in a statement.

“Lukhanyo Am will join the South Africa squad, replacing Makazole Mapimpi after an injury sustained during the match against Tonga,” the statement read.

ALSO READ: Springboks pick Mapimpi replacement — Is Am packing his bag?

LUCKY AM IS HEADING TO FRANCE

Springboks centre Lukhanyo Am
Springboks centre Lukhanyo Am is back. Photo: @RugbyWorldCup via X / Twitter.
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