President of SA Rugby Mr Mark Alexander has announced that Springboks centre Lukhanyo Am has been nominated for the World Rugby men’s player of the year award.

The nominations were announced on Monday on World Rugby’s social media channels, with the winners to be announced on Sunday evening.

Am was named as one of the nominees for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in partnership with Mastercard, while Mabenge was 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.

Along with Am, the other nominees in the Men’s 15s Player of the Year category are last year’s winner, Antoine Dupont of France, and the Ireland duo of Johnny Sexton and Josh van der Flier.

“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,” Alexander said.

“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.”

Photo by EPA/JAMES ROSS