Lukhanyo Am believes South Africa’s decision to select overseas-based players is a major reason behind the Springboks’ sustained success.
The double World Cup-winning centre, currently playing in Japan, says allowing overseas-based players to represent the Boks has strengthened the national setup.
“I think it’s very beneficial for South Africa to be able to select players from overseas,” said Am in an interview with Japan Rugby League One.
“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.”
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Am, who features for the Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars, added: “Being able to select local and overseas players has helped the Springbok coaching team build depth in our squad.
“You still give credit to the local players, but you also benefit from the experience of the guys playing abroad.”
The policy stands in contrast to NZ Rugby, which traditionally restricts All Blacks selection to domestically based players – a model increasingly under scrutiny.
“I would definitely encourage players to come [to Japan], especially backs,” Am 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.”
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Allowing leading players to play overseas removes a major financial strain on SA Rugby coffers as overseas clubs can supplement player income.
An added benefit is that Japan offers a much shorter league season which gives leading Springboks like Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx a proper off-season and extends their careers.
Springbok Ruan Nortjé (Kubota Spears) and Kurt-Lee Arendse (Mitsubishi Dynaboars) recently announced they will be leaving the Vodacom Bulls at the end of the season to take up offers in Japan.
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Photo: X/Dynaboars
The post Am praises Boks’ overseas selection policy appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
