The Cell C Sharks have won the battle to keep the services of Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi.
Fassi announced that he would be staying at the Sharks after signing a new deal on Thursday, after a tug of war with the DHL Stormers also interested.
Fassi lost his place in the Springbok squad last year but has been in scintillating form in this year’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
Aphelele Fassi has committed his long-term future to The Sharks on a multi-year deal?? #FearTheFin pic.twitter.com/yEBmiH4K3M
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) March 9, 2023
“I’ve loved every single moment here at the Sharks, Durban has been my home ever since I left high school. I’ve spent the last six years at the Sharks and it has been great. The time has come to start a new chapter.
“I’m proud to announce my contract renewal with the Cell C Sharks. Durban is home, this jersey is home,” he said in an announcement video.
Unfortunately his time for the Sharks for the rest of the season will be short-lived as he is recovering from a shinbone injury that will keep him out for six to eight weeks after being injured in his side’s loss last weekend to the DHL Stormers.
That means the chances of him playing before the end of the season are slim, and he will need to find game time somewhere if he hopes to get his place back in the Springbok side.