Aphelele Fassi will spend the 2026/27 season in Japan Rugby League One as part of a renewed contract with the Sharks that includes a sabbatical clause. The Sharks confirmed the move on X, stating Fassi will return to Durban in July 2027 following the conclusion of his Japanese club commitments. The destination club has not yet been named.
Fassi has been with the Sharks organisation since joining from school in 2018 and the move means the Durban franchise will be without the Springbok fullback for the entirety of the upcoming URC campaign.