The 'tough conversations' Mr T had with Fassi

Aphelele Onke Okuhle Fassi’s rejuvenation of his Springbok career has as much to do with his focused resolve as it does with the facilitation and beneficence of his agents, Roc Nation Sports International.

The agency, RNSI, entered Rugby Union and started pursuing South African talent after Siyamthanda Kolisi lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in Yokohama, Japan, in 2019.

Kolisi was followed by Cheslin Kolbe, then came Fassi and Jordan Hendrikse along with retired Springbok great Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira.

As they expanded their reach, international stars like Ardie Savea, Ellis Genge, Marcus Smith and Maro Itoje were added to the Roc Nation team.

They have since added the names of other South Africans like Luyolo Doyi, Marnus Rademeyer, Owam Freempong and Zukisani Tom.

However, Fassi is the ‘flavour of the month’.

However, it is not by chance that he was recalled to the Springbok squad – having played just three Tests in 2021 and 2022.

It was at Twickenham, in the 41-13 rout of Wales in June, that the 26-year-old flyer showed that he is not ready to be discarded to the sport’s scrap heap just yet.

Further starts against Portugal (Bloemfontein – 64-21 win), Australia (Perth – 30-12 win), New Zealand (Ellispark – 31-27 win) and Argentina twice (Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades – 28-29 loss and Nelspruit – 48-7 win) followed.

Michael Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International, described the Fassi resurgence as a ‘great’ story.

“I have never been so proud of an athlete and a client in my career,” he told @rugby365com, adding: “He fell down, got back up and made no excuses.

“He challenged himself to get better, mentally and physically.

“He deserves to be where he is and it is a great story to inspire and motivate young players.

“He showed that even when you fall down, when things don’t go the way you want to, you can ultimately control your destiny by working harder and making sacrifices.

“He kept his eye on the ball.

“He could have gone in the opposite direction and blamed other people.

“He took responsibility and came back better.”

This resurgence was also supported through the role of RNSI employee, Tamsanqa Norman Ncwana.

The appointment of Ncwana, as head of recruiting in South Africa, was made to try and find the next generation of Siya Kolisis.

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As we celebrate five years of RNSI, we want to thank everyone who has been part of our journey.

From our inspirational Roc Fam to our dedicated staff and, of course, our owners, without whom all of this wouldn’t be possible – thank you for your support. pic.twitter.com/CI4bAf25In

— Roc Nation Sports International (@RocNationSI) October 8, 2024

Ncwana, who also played a crucial role in the recovery of Kolisi ahead of the World Cup in France last year, is tasked with signing and nurturing young talent.

Yormark described Ncwana as a ‘great story’ – a product of the eZwide township that also produced the celebrated Springbok captain, Kolisi.

“He is a very inspirational individual,” Yormark told @rugby365com.

The RNSI boss said Ncwana was a ‘big part’ of Fassi’s journey back into the Green and Gold club.

“He regularly meets with our players,” Yormark said, adding: “Encouraging them and having tough conversations with them.

“He tells them what they ‘have to’ hear, not what they ‘want to’ hear.

“There is a big difference there.

“You have to be willing to sit down with your clients and sometimes be willing to tell them what they don’t necessarily want to hear.

“You must have that tough conversation and hopefully the client takes that constructively.

“Mr T is a master at that and he spent a lot of time with Aphelele Fassi.

“He is now spending quite a bit of time with Jordan Hendrikse.”

Ncwana is also mentoring all the other young players on the books of RNSI.

“He helps them move forward one step at a time – mentally and physically.

“He knows the sport and knows what players need to do to be successful.

“The players are all talented, but what separates the good from the great is that peer-to-peer interaction and mentoring.

“He has done an extraordinary job with our young players.”

He added that the players should be ‘mentored’ in the right way to ensure they are able to also succeed after their playing career ends.

“We saw, so often, in America, that players earned millions, but then had nothing once they finished playing.

“It is never too early to plan for the future,” he said, adding: “That is why we got into sport.

“Those who have nothing (after retiring) were not guided, mentored or motivated correctly.

“What has been rewarding for me, at RNSI, is the impact we have been able to make on the lives of our clients.”

@king365ed
@rugby365com