Gavin Rich flags a deepening positional headache at the Sharks: Fassi's confirmed sabbatical in Japan for the 2026/27 season lands in the context of the franchise simultaneously losing Hakeem Kunene and Luan Giliomee to the Bulls. That's three fullbacks gone in one off-season. Rich also raises the broader concern — citing the precedents of Am and Arendse — that sabbatical deals have a habit of becoming permanent exits, and whether Fassi genuinely returns in 2027/28 remains an open question. What's left is a thin list: teenager Zekhethelo Siyaya showed promise but is unproven at this level, Jaco Williams is primarily a winger, and Jordan Hendrikse's fitness is uncertain. The piece is a useful read for anyone tracking the Sharks' squad-building vulnerabilities heading into next season.
Fassi's Japan sabbatical exposes a fullback crisis brewing at the Sharks
Three fullbacks out in one off-season — Fassi to Japan, Kunene and Giliomee to the Bulls — leaves the Sharks dangerously thin at 15, with only a teenager and a few makeshift options to fill the void.
Fassi's Japan move leaves the Sharks with a genuine fullback headache
Fassi's confirmed Japan sabbatical strips the Sharks of their first-choice fullback for a season, but with Kunene and Giliomee also gone, Gavin Rich argues the Sharks are dangerously thin in the position — and questions whether teenage prospect Siyaya is ready to carry the load.
Grant Williams to join Kobelco Kobe Steelers for 2026-27 Japan Rugby League One season
Grant Williams has confirmed he will join Kobelco Kobe Steelers for the 2026-27 Japan Rugby League One season, with the Sharks replacing him by signing Ivan van Zyl.
Fassi heads to Japan on sabbatical as Sharks confirm 2026/27 absence
Aphelele Fassi will join a Japanese Rugby League One club for the 2026/27 season on sabbatical, returning to the Sharks in July 2027 under the terms of his renewed contract.
Bulls face Benetton without Coetzee and Arendse as Pollard, Le Roux return
The Bulls face Benetton on Saturday without flu-stricken Marcell Coetzee and Kurt-Lee Arendse, with Pollard, Le Roux and Louw returning to a reshuffled side. A bonus-point win could move them into the top four and earn a home quarterfinal. Willie le Roux plays his 400th first-class match; Stravino Jacobs earns his 100th Bulls cap.
The Lekker Rugby Pod: Has the URC Forged a Genuine SA-Ireland Rivalry?
Pat McCarry argues the URC has given the SA-Ireland rugby rivalry genuine club-level roots, with MVA predicting a Bulls-Stormers final at Loftus and McCarry warning the Lions and Connacht are the teams no one wants to face in the playoffs.