Hero’s welcome for World Cup champ Lukhanyo Am
Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok Lukhanyo Am said the sensational try he helped Tsholomnqa-born Makazole Mapimpi to score in the final against England was “something we do every day”.
The Sharks centre arrived in East London on Friday and was whisked away by a convoy of cars to his Zwelitsha home.
“There was nothing much hap- pening in my mind at the time because we were doing some- thing we do every day,” Am said. “I’m just glad we managed to pull that move at that stage of the tournament.
“It was a moment I will cherish forever.”
He said he was excited to finally be back home.
“It’s been a long year for me. Seeing my family has been amazing and I just want to be with them.”
Am produced a stunning performance for the Barbarians last Saturday, despite losing 33-31 to Fiji.
“I had so much fun at the Barbarians. It was good experience for me and I think it’s going to play a huge role in my development,” he said.
He added he was planning to spend a week with his family before rejoining the Sharks on December 2.
“I also want to go to my village and see my people because they’ve been behind me. So I’m not planning to do anything besides that.”
Am said he was excited to be working with new Sharks coach Sean Everitt and former Old Boys mentor Phiwe Nomlomo, who has joined the Sharks as skills specialist.
“I’m looking forward to working with the new coaching staff at the club. I’ve never worked with them. I do know Phiwe, but only off the field.
“He coached my younger brother, Siyanda, and I have a good relationship with him and the new coach,” he said.
I had so much fun at the Barbarians. It was good experience for me and I think it’s going to play a huge role in my development