Sharks lose Bok playmaker to Japanese club
TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks will enter the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season without one of their seasoned campaigners.
Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi will take up a sabbatical in Japan next season and will return to Durban in July 2027 following the conclusion of the Japan Rugby League One season.
*Also read: REVEALED: How former Lions doctor threw Bok under the bus
The club he’ll be joining is still unconfirmed at this stage.
The Sharks announced Fassi’s move on social media platform X and wished him well for the new chapter in his playing journey.
“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.
“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.”
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.
Having grown through The Sharks system since joining out of school in 2018, Aphelele has… pic.twitter.com/hLsDEJGfzp
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) June 26, 2026
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