Aphelele Fassi will play his rugby in Japan next season following the conclusion of his Springbok commitments, the Sharks confirmed on Thursday. The fullback is scheduled to return to Durban in July 2027 after the Japan Rugby League One season concludes, with the sabbatical forming part of his renewed contract with the coastal franchise.
The specific Japanese club remains unconfirmed, though Fassi will join fellow Springboks Lukhanyo Am and Grant Williams in the country. The Sharks stated that the opportunity would allow Fassi to experience a new rugby environment and embrace a different culture whilst continuing his development on and off the field.
Fassi's departure compounds a fullback shortage at the Sharks, who will enter the 2026/27 URC season without three players in the position. Hakeem Kunene has signed for the Bulls, whilst 19-year-old Luan Giliomee has also moved to Pretoria after an impressive debut against Munster earlier this season. The 18-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya, now capped by South Africa A, deputised during Fassi's long injury absence but his readiness for extended first-team duty remains untested.
The sabbatical model has become increasingly common amongst South African franchises, though recent precedent suggests risks. Both Am and Kurt-Lee Arendse returned to Japan permanently after initial sabbatical stints, with Arendse's final Bulls appearance coming in last week's URC final. Fassi joined the Sharks system from school in 2018 and has developed into a key figure for both franchise and country.