This week, the 26-year-old confirmed on social media that he had undergone surgery following his return to South Africa. Aphelele Fassi leaves the field injured during the Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks. Sharks coach confirms long layoffSharks head coach John Plumtree acknowledged the severity of the injury ahead of the 2025-26 URC season. Rassie Erasmus announced the squad to play against Argentina on Tuesday 23 September 2025. Image: Grant PitcherSource: Getty ImagesOn Tuesday, 23 September 2025, head coach Rassie Erasmus announced the squad to play Los Pumas in Durban.