The 26-year-old RWC winning centre started his rugby at Border before his career took off with the Isuzu Southern Kings in 2016. Later that year he made the move north to Durban and hasn’t looked back since.

Reacting to his appointment, Am said: “It is a huge honour and privilege to be chosen to lead this team of brothers. We have an exciting new squad of players and management, who are eager to make their mark and to see us grow as a group. We will all be working together with positivity and eagerness, making sure the team always comes first.”

As a senior Cell C Sharks player and a World Cup winning Springbok, Am brings strong leadership qualities to the role and is someone that the players look up to because he has both played and achieved at the highest level, particularly for a new team looking for role models.

Although not an outspoken person by nature, his quiet confidence instils a sense of calm and assuredness in those around him and his talent on the field motivates others to perform at a high level.

Commenting on Am's appointment, Cell C Sharks head coach Sean Everitt, said: “Lukhanyo brings a winning culture to the Cell C Sharks. He has an enormous presence in the team and is a brilliant rugby player.

“I respect his commitment and dedication to the Cell C Sharks and I have no doubt that his captaincy role will inspire the young players around him to give off their best.

"Lukhanyo will be ably assisted by a group of co-leaders who will provide valuable input and support in key areas of the Cell C Sharks game.

“Louis Schreuder, himself no stranger to a leadership role, will assist with game management, while Andre Esterhuizen will provide defensive support, with another World Cup winner in Makazole Mapimpi managing our transition and Curwin Bosch assisting with our attack. From a forward perspective, Thomas du Toit will assist with set-piece feedback,” added Everitt.

With less than two weeks to go to the start of the tournament, Everitt has also announced his 45-man squad for the Cell C Sharks’ 2020 campaign.

The Cell C Sharks 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby Squad:

Forwards: Andisa Ntsila, Celimpilo Gumede, Craig Burden, Dylan Richardson, Emile van Heerden, Evan Roos, Fezokuhle Mbatha, Henco Venter, Hyron Andrews, James Venter, JJ van der Mescht, John-Hubert Meyer, Jordan Sesink-Clee, Juan Schoeman, Kerron van Vuuren, Khutha Mchunu, Le Roux Roets, Lubabalo (Tera) Mtembu, Michael Kumbirai, Mzamo Majola, Ox Nche, Phendulani (Phepsi) Buthelezi, Ruben van Heerden, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Thomas du Toit, Tyler Paul.

Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Cameron Wright, Curwin Bosch, Grant Williams, Henry (Boeta) Chamerlain, Jeremy Ward, Jordan Chait, JP Pietersen, Louis Schreuder, Lukhanyo Am (captain), Lwazi Mvovo, Madosh Tambwe, Makazole Mapimpi, Marius Louw, Murray Koster, Sanele Nohamba, Sbu Nkosi, Thaakir Abrahams.