Springbok Aphelele Fassi to Return in Four to Six Months After Leg Surgery
- Aphelele Fassi suffered a serious leg injury during South Africa’s match against the All Blacks in Wellington and has undergone surgery since returning home
- The injury is expected to keep him out for several months, cutting short his season with the Springboks and affecting his start with the Sharks
- In his absence, the Springboks are set to adjust their backline, while the Sharks will rely on one of their promising options at fullback
Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi suffered a severe leg injury during South Africa’s bruising clash with the All Blacks in Wellington.
Forced off the field on a medical cart, Fassi’s condition immediately raised concerns over a long spell on the sidelines.
This week, the 26-year-old confirmed on social media that he had undergone surgery following his return to South Africa.
Source: Getty Images
Medical updates now indicate that the injury will keep Fassi out of action for an estimated four to six months, ruling him out of the remainder of the Springboks’ Rugby Championship campaign and a significant portion of the Sharks’ upcoming URC season.
Sharks coach confirms long layoff
Sharks head coach John Plumtree acknowledged the severity of the injury ahead of the 2025-26 URC season.
“It’s a pretty significant injury,” Plumtree said.
“We’re looking at four to six months, hopefully not longer.”
With Fassi sidelined, the Springboks are expected to call on Damian Willemse to cover fullback duties, while the Sharks will likely turn to Hakeem Kunene at number 15.
Source: Getty Images
On Tuesday, 23 September 2025, head coach Rassie Erasmus announced the squad to play Los Pumas in Durban. Most of the players from the historic 43-10 victory over the All Blacks on 13 September in Wellington were retained.
Siya Kolisi will captain the side as he will also play in his 97th Test match. Erasmus also included veterans Eben Etzebeth and Damian Willemse.
Experienced lineup key for Springboks
Erasmus said they were very pleased with how the team had risen to the challenge against the All Blacks. He added that, considering Argentina’s strengths, this lineup would be the best for the upcoming match.
He explained that the team’s composition allows for consistency in selection and ensures that the experience of Eben and Damian de Allende is present in the starting lineup. Both players are reportedly excited to return to the field.
Southern hemisphere showdown heats up
Log standings suggest a thrilling conclusion, with just two points separating first-placed Australia (11 points) from last-placed Argentina (nine points), and both South Africa and New Zealand locked on 10 points.
Last year’s champions, the Springboks, will be eager to retain their title, but Fassi’s absence adds an extra challenge to their campaign.
Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains slams Rassie Erasmus
Briefly News previously reported that former Golden Lions and Cats coach Laurie Mains has levelled serious allegations against Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus, labelling him “a very dishonest person.”
Mains made the claims during a recent podcast interview, reviving a long-standing feud that dates back more than two decades.
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Source: Briefly News
