Aphelele Fassi will join Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo for the 2027 Rugby League One season on a sabbatical deal, having signed a new contract with the Sharks to secure his return to Durban. The 17-cap Springbok is part of a triple signing by Brave Lupus that also includes Scotland back-rower Jack Dempsey and former All Black centre David Havili, though Fassi's arrangement differs from his new teammates — Dempsey and Havili have signed permanent deals with the Tokyo club.
Dempsey, who joins from Glasgow Warriors, brings dual international experience with 33 Scotland caps and 14 for the Wallabies. Havili arrives from the Crusaders with 32 All Blacks caps to his name. Brave Lupus have become an established destination for high-profile internationals, having previously had Richie Mo'unga on their books.
"I'm incredibly excited to be joining Toshiba and beginning this new chapter in Japan," Fassi said. "Toshiba is a club with a proud history and passionate supporters, and it's a privilege to become part of that. On the field, my focus is simple: to work hard every day, contribute to the team's success in any way I can, and help the club compete for championships."