Springboks lose Lukhanyo Am for the remainder of the year - report

Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am is set to miss the remainder of the test season, according to reports in South Africa.

Am was in stellar form for the Springboks starring against Wales and New Zealand before picking up a knee injury in the first test against Australia.

According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Am is unlikely to feature again for the Springboks in 2022 with his recovery time expected to be up to 12 weeks.

The report adds that there is hope he could recover quickly but he is not expected to take part in any of the remaining Test matches this year.

The Springboks will therefore be without their star back for the tests against France, Ireland, Italy, and England as well the two remaining Rugby Championship tests against Argentina.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that flyhalf Handre Pollard will be out for the next six weeks having also picked up an injury against Australia while hooker Bongi Mbonambi is unlikely to return before the November tests. Both players no face a race against time to prove their fitness.

Currently, the Springboks have just two out-and-out hookers in their squad in Malcolm Marx and Joseph Dweba while Deon Fourie was included as a replacement hooker in the second test against Australia.

Elton Jantjies is expected to recover for the tests against Argentina as to is Pieter-Steph du Toit.