Sharks confirm Aphelele Fassi’s departure with a twist as Springboks star follows All Blacks and Wallabies trend

The Sharks have announced that another Springboks star is leaving the franchise but will return to Durban ahead of the 2027/28 United Rugby Championship season.

Siya Kolisi, Marvin Orie and Grant Williams have already been confirmed as the three internationals leaving the Sharks next season, while Aphelele Fassi has been revealed as the fourth departing Bok.

Aphelele Fassi takes up an opportunity in Japan

28-year-old Fassi has penned a new deal with the Sharks which includes the option for the full-back to spend a season away from Durban, with the club confirming that he will take up an opportunity in Japan.

The 15-Test cap Springbok will join an unnamed Japanese team for the 2026/27 Japan Rugby League One season, linking up with his new employers after his international commitments this year, but will return to the Sharks thereafter, the club has confirmed.

“As part of Aphelele Fassi’s renewed contract with the Sharks, he will take up an exciting opportunity in Japan for the 2026/27 season following the conclusion of his Springbok commitments,” a statement posted on the Sharks social media platforms read.

“Having grown through the Sharks system since joining out of school in 2018, Aphelele has become a proud product of the Sharks family. This opportunity will allow him to experience a new rugby environment, embrace a different culture and continue growing both on and off the field.

“We’re incredibly proud of the journey he has taken and look forward to welcoming him back home in July 2027.”

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He is just the latest Bok to leave the Durbanites ahead of next season, with Kolisi re-joining the Stormers while Williams has signed with the Kobe Kobelco Steelers. It is not yet clear where Orie will be next season after he did not ink a contract extension with the Sharks.

Thomas du Toit will be returning to the Sharks after a stunning spell at Bath, and he will be joined by fellow Springboks Stephan Lewies and Ivan van Zyl. Hendre Stassen, Nemo Roelofse, Gianni Lombard, Murray Korster and Donovan Don have also signed for the Durban-based side next season, as will new Junior Boks captain Siphosethu Mnebelele.

It is not the first time that a Springbok will spend a season in Japan before returning to their South African franchise, with Bulls stars Marcell Coetzee and Kurt-Lee Arendse doing the same. The Sharks also afforded the same opportunity to Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi previously.

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It’s a growing trend globally, with Wallabies Angus Bell and Len Ikitau enjoying stints in the northern hemisphere before returning to their Super Rugby Pacific clubs, while Jordie Barrett, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Damian McKenzie and Ardie Savea are just some of the All Blacks who have benefited from playing sabbaticals.

Fassi’s departure means that there will be more opportunities for some of the rising stars in the Sharks’ ranks, with Zekhethelo Siyaya set to benefit from the Springbok’s absence. The same is true for Jaco Williams, who has been included in Rassie Erasmus’ squad for the Nations Championship opener against England.

Former Lions star Lombard also adds further depth in the full-back position, while Jordan Hendrikse and Yaw Penxe can also fill the position in JP Pietersen’s team.

READ MORE: Wallabies star: Springboks have revolutionised the scrum and use of the bench