A Sharks’ Springbok will spend the 2026-27 season in Japan before returning to Durban.
The announcement ends speculation over fullback Aphelele Fassi’s immediate future after reports that the Sharks were prepared to grant the 28-year-old a sabbatical to further his career overseas.
“As part of Aphelele Fassi’s renewed contract with The Sharks, he will take up an exciting opportunity in Japan for the 2026-27 season following the conclusion of his Springbok commitments,” the Sharks said on X.
“Having grown through the Sharks system since joining out of school in 2018, Aphelele has become a proud product of the Sharks family. This opportunity will allow him to experience a new rugby environment, embrace a different culture and continue growing both on and off the field.
“We’re incredibly proud of the journey he has taken and look forward to welcoming him back home in July 2027.”
The Sharks have not revealed which Japanese club Fassi will join.
JP: These Sharks kids are ‘ridiculously good’
Fassi becomes the latest Springbok to head to Japan on a short-term deal, following teammates Grant Williams and Bulls pair Kurt-Lee Arendse and Ruan Nortjé.
His departure will leave the Sharks without their first-choice fullback next season, although highly rated youngster Zekhethelo Siyaya has already shown his potential since breaking into the senior set-up.
As part of Aphelele Fassi’s renewed contract with The Sharks, he will take up an exciting opportunity in Japan for the 2026/27 season following the conclusion of his Springbok commitments.
Having grown through The Sharks system since joining out of school in 2018, Aphelele has… pic.twitter.com/hLsDEJGfzp
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) June 26, 2026
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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