Rugby Transfers: Aphelele Fassi in triple Japanese signing, England international makes decision on future and All Black on the move
Aphelele Fassi (left) and Joe Heyes (right) feature in the latest transfers round up
Aphelele Fassi’s Japanese club has now been confirmed, with the Springbok involved in a triple signing, while England star Joe Heyes and All Blacks ace Samipeni Finau have both made crucial decisions on their futures.
Here are all the latest rugby rumours, transfers and contract renewals.
Aphelele Fassi involved in triple signing for Japanese club
Springboks full-back Aphelele Fassi, Scotland back-rower Jack Dempsey and ex-All Black David Havili will all join Japanese side Brave Lupus for the 2027 Rugby League One season.
Sharks man Fassi will head over on a sabbatical deal after signing a new deal with the Durban-based outfit, while Dempsey and Havili have signed permanent deals.
They are the latest Test stars to head to Brave Lupus, who have had the likes of Richie Mo’unga represent them in recent seasons.
Scotland ace Dempsey joins Brave Lupus from Glasgow Warriors and brings a wealth of Test experience with 33 caps for Scotland and 14 for the Wallabies.
Commenting on joining Brave Lupus, the back-rower said: “I am very excited to be joining the Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo, and experiencing Japanese rugby and culture.
“I am looking forward to meeting the teammates, fans and supporters of Brave Lupus, and will do my best to help the team achieve success.”
Havili makes his move to Tokyo from Super Rugby side Crusaders, and also brings a heap of Test experience with him after winning 32 caps for the All Blacks.
On his respective move, the centre said: “Kon-nichiwa Toshiba, me and my wife Lucy are very excited to be joining the team for the upcoming seasons.
“I have been watching from afar and really love the way the team plays. I can’t wait to meet all the new fans and teammates.
“I can’t wait to learn about the Japanese lifestyle and culture.
“See you guys very soon.”
While Fassi might only be in place for the next season, he is the latest Springbok to make a move to Japan and boasts 17 Test caps for his country.
On joining the club for the 2027 season, he said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Toshiba and beginning this new chapter in Japan. This is a unique opportunity to experience a new culture, embrace a different way of life, and challenge myself both on and off the field.
“I’ve always believed that the best experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone, and I’m looking forward to immersing myself in everything that Japan has to offer.
“Toshiba is a club with a proud history and passionate supporters, and it’s a privilege to become part of that. I can’t wait to meet the fans, build relationships within the community, and hopefully give them plenty to cheer about. Their passion is a huge part of what makes rugby so special, and I’m excited to experience that firsthand.
“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. I’ll be giving everything I have for the jersey and look forward to learning from my teammates and coaches along the way.
Joe Heyes decides Leicester Tigers future
England and Leicester prop Joe Heyes has recommitted his future to the Tigers, signing a four-year deal to keep him at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Heyes made his professional bow for Leicester back in 2018 and has since made 185 appearances in all competitions. In that time, he also featured in two PREM Rugby finals, coming off the bench in their 2022 victory over Saracens.
His form has also seen him win 22 Test caps for England, and he was named England Men’s Player of the Season at the recent Rugby Awards following a strong individual Six Nations campaign. He was also named Player of the Series during their 2025 summer tour of the Americas.
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Commenting on his new deal, Heyes said: “Leicester Tigers, it’s a place that I have grown to love since arriving as a 16-year-old.”
“Over the years, I’ve experienced and felt the passion for this club through the players, coaches, backroom staff and, of course, our incredible fans.”
“My family have all become Leicester Tigers’ and support from all over the world, we are Tigers through and through.”
“To be able to re-sign and continue representing this club and the people of Leicester is a privilege.
“I’m incredibly excited about the future; we have a squad filled with talent and ambition, and I know Geoff shares the same passion and love for this club that I do.”
“Can’t wait to see you all at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in the 2026/27 season. If not, I’ll be in my garden.”
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Tigers head coach, Geoff Parling, added: “Having Joe commit his long-term future here is a great statement on how much the club means to him, and coming through the Academy to winning England Men’s Player of the Season this year is testament to his diligence and work ethic.”
“He’s a brilliant character to have around, and what’s exciting is that I think that there’s still huge growth in his game that we look forward to developing.”
Samipeni Finau exits Chiefs
All Blacks forward Samipeni Finau will also make a switch to Japan, after agreeing to join Yokohama Canon Eagles for the 2027 season.
His move to Japan brings an end to his five-year stint at Super Rugby side Chiefs, after progressing through the club’s youth ranks.
During his time with the Chiefs, Finau made 75 appearances and featured in all four of their recent Grand Final defeats.
His form for the club also saw him drafted into the All Blacks squad, winning his first Test cap in 2023 and adding a further 11 to his collection in the time since.
Commenting on leaving the Chiefs, Finau said: “My time at the Chiefs will always be one that I will cherish. It’s hard to say goodbye, but I’m really grateful for the people, the memories and the chance to represent this club.
“Wearing the jersey has been an honour, and I hope I have represented all this jersey stands for. Chiefs will always be home. Thank you.”
