THE Sharks have granted Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi a "working vacation" in Japan for the 2026/2027 season.
Thomas “The Tank" du Toit is still en route, but the rest of the Sharks’ new signings have begun pre-season training under coach JP Pietersen, with the first team goal a historic match against the All Blacks on August 11, followed by the United Rugby Championship kick-off against the Ospreys on September 26.
It is interesting to see the profile of the incoming players — they are mostly seasoned professionals returning from long stints overseas, and players that will be available for the Sharks throughout the season.
This indicates a positive change in recruiting focus because the Sharks have been hampered in the past by the loss of a swathe of Springboks for long periods of the URC.
Du Toit is the obvious exception — he has enjoyed vast success at Bath in the English Premiership over the last three years, and during this time has advanced from a fringe Springbok to a first-choice prop who can play both sides of the scrum.
