Lukhanyo Am has grown from a township standout to one of South Africa’s most bankable rugby stars, combining elite centre play with smart off-field brand moves. In this article you’ll find Lukhanyo Am’s net worth estimate, contract and salary insights, year-by-year earnings table, endorsement lineup and full career stats—all in one place.
Lukhanyo Am’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lukhanyo Am |
| Date of Birth | 28 November 1993 |
| Age | 31 |
| Education | Hoërskool De Vos Malan |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 93 kg (205 lb) |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | $3 million–$5 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | N/A |
| Relationship Status | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @lukhanyo_12 |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Born in Zwelitsha township near King William’s Town, Am fell in love with rugby despite a local focus on soccer and a school outside South Africa’s elite rugby circles.
He honed his skills at the Gladiators Rugby Academy in Margate before earning a spot with the Border Bulldogs Under-19 side, helping them win the 2012 Provincial Championship Division B and secure promotion to Division A.
In 2013 he spent a season with Saracens through a South African–British exchange, then debuted for the Bulldogs senior team in the Vodacom Cup. Those formative years taught him physicality, field vision and the drive that would define his rise.
Professional Career
Am’s big break came in 2016 when he joined the Southern Kings on trial for Super Rugby, showing enough to earn a move to the Sharks later that year. At the Sharks he became a virtual ever-present, steering them into Super Rugby quarter-finals in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
His defensive grit, crisp passing and kicking game saw him graduate to the Springboks in 2017, and he cemented his place through the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where his clever loop pass set up South Africa’s first-ever RWC final try.
Named Sharks captain in 2020, he also captained South Africa ‘A’ against the British & Irish Lions in 2021 and rejoined the Springboks squad to defend their World Cup title in France in 2023.
Lukhanyo Am’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Lukhanyo Am’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 million to $5 million.
Contract
Lukhanyo Am signed a three-year contract extension with the Sharks in March 2022, committing him to the Durban-based team until the end of the 2025 season. As part of this agreement, Am was granted a short two-month sabbatical to play for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan before returning to the Sharks in time for the United Rugby Championship play-offs.
The Sharks highlighted that this extension demonstrated Am’s belief in the franchise’s vision and his dedication to their long-term goals, with team management expressing strong enthusiasm for his continued role as a key player and leader within the squad.
Salary
Lukhanyo Am, widely regarded as one of the best centers in world rugby, currently earns an estimated £240,000 per year (about $300,000) playing for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship.
This makes him one of the highest-paid South African rugby players. In addition to his club salary, Am receives income from endorsement deals with major brands such as Puma, Danone, TAG Heuer, Mercedes Benz, Dove Men, and Discovery, which significantly boost his overall earnings.
As a member of the Springboks, he also benefits from national team bonuses, including reported World Cup bonuses of approximately R1.3 million (about $70,000) for each tournament victory.
Am’s brief stint with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan likely provided additional, though undisclosed, income. Overall, his salary and endorsement deals have contributed to a net worth estimated between $3 million and $5 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club/National Team | Estimated Salary (GBP) | Estimated Salary (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Sharks | £240,000 | ~$300,000 | Annual salary as reported for 2023. |
| 2024 | Sharks | £240,000 | ~$300,000 | Salary likely similar due to contract extension through 2025. |
| 2025 | Sharks | £240,000 | ~$300,000 | Contracted through 2025. |
| 2019, 2023 | South Africa (Springboks) | — | Bonuses | World Cup bonuses: R1.3 million (~$70,000) per tournament for squad members. |
| Ongoing | Endorsements | — | Undisclosed | Major brands: Puma, Danone, TAG Heuer, Mercedes Benz, Dove Men, Discovery. |
| 2022 | Kobelco Kobe Steelers (Japan) | — | Additional income | Brief stint in Japan, salary not disclosed but likely significant. |
Career Stats
| Team/Competition | Years | Appearances | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa (Test) | 2017–Present | 31 | 30 |
| Sharks (United Rugby) | 2017–Present | 75 | 80 |
| Sharks (Currie Cup) | 2016 | 23 | 30 |
| Southern Kings (Super) | 2016 | 10 | 5 |
| Border Bulldogs (Vodacom) | 2013–2015 | 18 | 5 |
FAQs
1. Who is Lukhanyo Am?
Lukhanyo Am is a South African professional rugby union centre and wing, born on 28 November 1993 in Zwelitsha. He represents the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and the Springboks.
2. What path did Am follow to reach professional rugby?
Am began at the Margate-based Gladiators Academy before joining the Border Bulldogs Under-19s. A Saracens exchange led to his 2013 Vodacom Cup debut, earning contracts with the Southern Kings and Sharks.
3. What are Am’s major achievements with the Springboks?
Am has won two Rugby World Cups (2019 and 2023), the 2019 and 2024 Rugby Championships, and helped secure a series victory over the British & Irish Lions in 2021.
4. How has Am demonstrated leadership at club and international level?
Named Sharks captain in January 2020, Am has led through decisive plays and defensive organisation. He captained South Africa ‘A’ against the British & Irish Lions and has served as Springboks vice-captain.
5. What qualities make Am one of the world’s top centres?
Am blends low error-rates with exceptional tackling, vision to create line-breaks and offloads, and calm leadership. His combination of defensive organisation and creative attacking flair sets him apart among global centres.
