The Springbok outside centre was shortlisted for the World Rugby Player of the Year award following another outstanding season patrolling the midfield in the national colours.

Am will be up for the accolade along with the current title holder, Antoine Dupont of France and the Irish duo of Johnny Sexton and Josh van der Flier.

Erasmus said at Am had to fight to reach the heights he has in international rugby.

“He is just a really special player,” said Erasmus.

“The first time Jacques and I saw him we were coaching at the Border club trials. He was playing with a pair of tekkies, and we phoned an agent from there to tell to keep an eye on him.

“Then he moved from the Kings to all over the place and now he has pushed right through to being nominated as a World Rugby Player of the Year. It's a pity that he can't showcase now at the end of the year what he can do just to refresh the minds of the decision makers.

“We are really proud of him, and especially because he came from - and I'm not going to say from a poor background or having been disadvantaged - he had to work really hard to get into teams and proper systems. On the field he is just a fantastic player.”

Meanwhile, the Springbok Women’s winger, Nomawethu Mabenge, has been nominated for the Try of the Year accolade.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport