This past weekend saw Aphelele Fassi make a return to the Springbok team for the first time since 2022, and he marked the occasion with a world-class performance at fullback.
The 26-year-old was simply sensational under the high ball, collecting 13 out of 13 kicks, while he also added his usual spark on attack.
It was a special return to the Springbok set up for Fassi, who has spoken extensively this year about the extra work and training he has put in to ensure he once again caught the attention of the national coaches.
His latest efforts have clearly done just that, and on Tuesday he was duly included in the 39-man squad for the July Tests against Ireland and Portugal.
In another announcement, it was also confirmed that Fassi has extended his contract with Roc Nation Sports International, the talent agency that also represents fellow Springboks such as Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe and Jordan Hendrikse.
“Aphelele is a shining example of someone who has put in the hard work, and is now so deservedly reaping the rewards,” stated Michael Yormark, the president of Roc Nation Sports International.
“We knew that his No 1 career goal coming into this year was to earn inclusion in the Springbok team, and he did everything within his power to achieve that goal. He has proven that even when you get knocked down, you can get back up again and come back even stronger. We are so proud of Aphelele, and are so excited that he has also chosen to continue his journey with RNSI.”
Aphelele Fassi is set for an extended role with the Springboks
Although Fassi earned his first three Springbok caps on the left wing, he has been in outstanding form at fullback for the Sharks throughout this past season, which paved the way for his national recall.
When considering that Damian Willemse is also currently sidelined with injury, Fassi will be a strong contender to continue in the Springbok No 15 jersey.
The 39-man Springbok squad gathered in Pretoria on Tuesday and will continue with their training schedule, despite arriving in South Africa a day later than expected after their flight from London to South Africa was cancelled on Sunday night.
They will return home for the weekend to spend time with their families and resume their Test week training schedule on Monday 1 July for the clash against Ireland at Loftus Versfeld next weekend.
Squad for Incoming Series:
Forwards:
Phepsi Buthelezi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks). Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Racing 92), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92/Hollywoodbets Sharks), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Blu Revs), RG Snyman (Munster/Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Backs:
Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins/Hollywoodbets Sharks), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Wilie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Emirates Lions), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
