Fassi’s Japan destination revealed

Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi’s new club has been confirmed.

The Sharks star set to join Japanese side Toshiba Brave Lupus on a season-long sabbatical.

The 28-year-old will head to Japan after completing his Springbok commitments later this year before returning to Durban in July 2027 as part of his recently renewed contract with the Sharks.

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The move had been widely expected after the Sharks confirmed that Fassi would spend the 2026-27 season in Japan, although his new club had not yet been revealed.

Fassi, who has been with the Sharks since joining the franchise’s junior ranks in 2018, said he was relishing the opportunity to test himself in a new environment.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The Springbok added that he hopes to help Toshiba Brave Lupus compete for titles while continuing to grow as a player.

“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,” said Fassi.

“I’ll be giving everything I have for the jersey and look forward to learning from my teammates and coaches along the way.”

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The Sharks have backed the move, saying the experience will expose one of their homegrown stars to a different rugby environment before he returns for the 2027 season.

Matt Norton, Head of Rugby at Roc Nation Sports International, described the deal as an ideal fit for Fassi’s long-term development.

“This is a fantastic milestone for Aphelele as he enters the prime of his career,” said Norton.

“Aligning this Japanese sabbatical with his long-term future at the Sharks gives him the perfect platform to test himself in a world-class environment, experience a brilliant new culture, and return to South Africa an even more complete player.”

The club also confirmed the signing of All Black David Havili.

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Potential Toshiba backline next season:

10. Takuro Matsunaga
11. Jone Naikabula
12. David Havili
13. Rob Thompson
14. Tjay Clarke
15. Aphelele Fassi#rugbyjp pic.twitter.com/BnvJQHXDas

— 🇯🇵 RugbyJP.com (@rugbyjpcom) July 1, 2026

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images