Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am says he is embracing the growing competition for places in the national team as he works towards earning a recall ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Am said the emergence of talented young players has created a healthy environment within the squad, where everyone is pushed to perform at a higher level.

He made the comments at FNB Stadium during the launch of Castle Double Malt as the title partner of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, the new commercial identity for matches between the Springboks and the All Blacks.

The experienced midfielder has been working his way back after a recurring knee injury disrupted his career following the 2023 Rugby Championship.

The injury also ruled him out of South Africa’s original squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Now playing for the Mitsubishi Dynaboars in Japan, Am is focused on regaining his place in the Springbok setup despite fierce competition across the squad.

He credited head coach Rassie Erasmus for fostering strong competition within the team, saying the depth of South African rugby continues to grow as new generations of players emerge and challenge for selection.