Overview
- The Sharks announced that Aphelele Fassi will take up a one-season opportunity in Japan as part of a renewed contract and will return to Durban in July 2027.
- The move is structured to occur only after Fassi completes his Springbok commitments, with the player expected to feature in the upcoming Nations Championship before departing.
- The Sharks have not disclosed which Japanese club Fassi will join or the financial and contractual specifics of the stint.
- Fassi’s temporary absence removes the club’s first-choice fullback for the 2026–27 domestic season and opens a pathway for young fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya to step into a larger role.
- The deal follows a wider pattern of South African internationals taking short-term seasons in Japan to earn extra income and gain experience while preserving national-team availability.