Lukhanyo Am, a two-time World Cup champion and current player in Japan, has hailed the strategy of the South African rugby federation to draft overseas-based players into the Springboks as a pivotal factor in the team's consistent high performance. Playing abroad, Am argues, equips players with diverse skills and experiences that enrich the national team's capabilities.
In a recent dialogue with Japan Rugby League One, Am shared his insights on the policy's benefits. "I think it’s very beneficial for South Africa to be able to select players from overseas,” he stated. “They are exposed to other experiences and approaches to coaching. They have grown as players and then plough all that information back into South Africa when they play for the national team.”
"Being able to select local and overseas players has helped the Springbok coaching team build depth in our squad."
Am's current tenure at Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars not only showcases his playing prowess but also gives him a unique perspective on the advantages of competing in international leagues. “I would definitely encourage players to come [to Japan], especially backs,” he added. “It’s competitive week after week and you come up against exciting backs. The quality of rugby, with moving the ball and identifying space, makes you grow as a player.”
South Africa's overseas selection policy contrasts starkly with New Zealand's approach, which limits All Blacks selection to players based domestically. This strategy has been increasingly questioned as rugby globalizes and other nations adapt more flexible approaches.
Financially, allowing marquee players to engage with overseas clubs alleviates some of the monetary pressures on South African Rugby. Furthermore, Japan's shorter league season offers key players like Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx a significant off-season, potentially prolonging their careers. Recently, Springboks like Ruan Nortjé and Kurt-Lee Arendse have chosen to continue their careers in Japan, citing the competitive nature and developmental benefits of the league.
"Japan stint sharpened my running game,"
stated Kurt-Lee Arendse, reflecting on his growth as a player abroad.
This policy not only strengthens the Springboks by diversifying the player pool but also by fostering a robust repository of international rugby knowledge and skills, which players like Am bring back to the national fold, thereby enriching the entire setup.
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Lukhanyo Am, a two-time World Cup champion and current player in Japan, has hailed the strategy of the South African rugby federation to draft overseas-based players into the Springboks as a pivotal factor in the team's consistent high performance. Playing abroad, Am argues, equips players with diverse skills and experiences that enrich the national team's capabilities.
In a recent dialogue with Japan Rugby League One, Am shared his insights on the policy's benefits. "I think it’s very beneficial for South Africa to be able to select players from overseas,” he stated. “They are exposed to other experiences and approaches to coaching. They have grown as players and then plough all that information back into South Africa when they play for the national team.”
"Being able to select local and overseas players has helped the Springbok coaching team build depth in our squad."
Am's current tenure at Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars not only showcases his playing prowess but also gives him a unique perspective on the advantages of competing in international leagues. “I would definitely encourage players to come [to Japan], especially backs,” he added. “It’s competitive week after week and you come up against exciting backs. The quality of rugby, with moving the ball and identifying space, makes you grow as a player.”
South Africa's overseas selection policy contrasts starkly with New Zealand's approach, which limits All Blacks selection to players based domestically. This strategy has been increasingly questioned as rugby globalizes and other nations adapt more flexible approaches.
Financially, allowing marquee players to engage with overseas clubs alleviates some of the monetary pressures on South African Rugby. Furthermore, Japan's shorter league season offers key players like Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx a significant off-season, potentially prolonging their careers. Recently, Springboks like Ruan Nortjé and Kurt-Lee Arendse have chosen to continue their careers in Japan, citing the competitive nature and developmental benefits of the league.
"Japan stint sharpened my running game,"
stated Kurt-Lee Arendse, reflecting on his growth as a player abroad.This policy not only strengthens the Springboks by diversifying the player pool but also by fostering a robust repository of international rugby knowledge and skills, which players like Am bring back to the national fold, thereby enriching the entire setup.