Sharks to get Am boost ahead of URC playoffs

The Sharks will be boosted by the return of regular skipper Lukhanyo Am as they look to seal a home United Rugby Championship quarter-final.

The Springbok midfielder's stint at the Kobe Steelers in Japan ends this weekend, which means he'll return to the Sharks in time for their final URC round-robin clash against Ulster in Belfast on 20 May.

The Sharks are currently third on the URC standings and will be looking to secure a home quarter-final spot.

Thomas du Toit and Siya Kolisi were utilised as Sharks captains during Am's absence, but coach Sean Everitt is looking forward to the return of their regular captain.

"Lukhanyo will be back, he finishes up in Japan next week and we are looking forward to having him back in the following week," Everitt told reporters after the Sharks' 41-21 win over Connacht last Saturday.

"We haven't watched any of his games, but I have chatted to him on a weekly basis and he is in a good space and really enjoying the opportunity that he has over there.

"He is playing with international stars in his team over there and obviously being coached by really good coaches. We are looking forward to him coming home and sharing the knowledge that he has gained from there."