WATCH: Siya Kolisi’s wholesome welcome for returning star Lukhanyo Am

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Screenshots from the video clip of Lukhanyo Am and Siya Kolisi at Springboks training.

Lukhanyo Am and Siya Kolisi during the Springboks training. Credit: Hendrik Cronje.

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi could not contain his excitement when Lukhanyo Am made his return to the Test set up on Wednesday.

The star centre initially missed out on the 33-man squad for South Africa’s title defence but has made a timely return ahead of the quarter-finals.

His return is at the expense of star winger Makazole Mapimpi – who Am set up for the first try in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final – after he sustained an eye socket fracture during the Pool B clash against Tonga.

Am was confirmed as Mapimpi’s replacement on Monday and arrived in Toulon on Wednesday to rejoin the Springboks in training.

Footage during the session sees Am making his way onto the training pitch, where he is spotted by Bok skipper Siya Kolisi, who stops what he is doing to greet his teammate.

Kolisi shares an embrace with the returning star, with Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber shouting for the pair in the background.

The clip, posted by South African journalist Hendrik Cronje, has quickly become a hit with Springboks’ fans.

Social media’s reaction

Musician ‘The Kifness’ reacted by simply stating ‘wholesome’ with broadcaster Motshidisi Mohono adding, “Love it see it! Aw madoda!””

“First day back at school vibes,” another account on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, read.

Another joked that Eben Etzebeth, Kolisi’s roommate, was getting kicked out.

Shoba’s post read: “Whoever was sharing the room with Kolisi just got kicked out. Am is moving in!”

Another lauded Kolisi’s captaincy, writing, “Love the vibe in the Springbok camp. Siya is such a great captain. We’re privileged to have him lead this side.”

Am is in line for selection for South Africa’s possible quarter-final, with the Boks having already played all of their pool stage matches.

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Internationals Lukhanyo Am Siya Kolisi

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