Aphelele Fassi: I love the speed of Japanese rugby

Toshiba Brave Lupus newcomer Aphelele Fassi is relishing the start of the League One season in December after sampling the free-flowing Japanese game in his club debut against Saitama Wild Knights.

The Springboks flyer showcased his electric counter-attacking pace, his ability to split open defences and his trustworthy boot in the club’s 55-40 win against the inaugural League One winners on Saturday.

Fassi, 28, an exciting summer arrival from the Sharks, came off the bench to to make his Japan bow alongside Scottish international and fellow new recruit Jack Dempsey.

“I love the speed of the Japanese game,” the 15-cap Springbok told RugbyJP.com.

“Players here are very skilful and they attack space. Your fitness levels have to be up.”

The strapping 6ft 2in, 14 stone utility-back played just five days after his arrival in Japan, having personally called new head coach Joshua Syms – the successor to Todd Blackadder who guided Toshiba to back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025 – asking for a run-out.

“I called the coach Joshua and asked if there’s a possibility that I could play in our first pre-season game then I’d like to because I hadn’t played in a while.

“I wanted to get my confidence back and contribute to the club.”

Fassi, who last featured for his country in their September loss to Australia, felt a summer move was the right time to leave the Sharks to test himself overseas.

“I’m enjoying experiencing something new and getting out of my comfort zone,” he told RugbyJP.

“I was at the Sharks in South Africa for eight or nine years and I wanted to try something different and meet new people, learn from new coaches and teammates and to learn about the culture in Japan.

“When I think of Japan, I think of people who respect their culture, respect each other and help each other. When I landed that's the first thing I noticed, and I see those things within this club as well.”

Fassi appreciates that he will have to earn a starting spot and there is plenty of competition for Toshiba’s number 15 jersey.

Fit-again Tjay Clarke, 24, who can play on the wing or at full-back, is an attacking livewire and scored a well-taken brace against Saitama in his first appearance since January.

Japan’s first-choice full-back Takuro Matsunaga, 28, who will play in the Brave Blossoms’ centenary fixture against Fiji on Saturday, is one of the club’s most consistent and respected players.

“We’re here to help each other,” said Fassi.

“Tjay has really helped me a lot here since I arrived. He’s helped me with food, the schedule and everything. I think healthy competition is the best thing, and we can help each other to lead this organisation to a better place and far into this competition.

“Wherever I can help, whether I’m playing or not playing, or helping other players, whatever is required of me, that’s what I will do."

Fassi has been joined in Japan by a new wave of South African teammates including Grant Williams, who has signed for champions Kobe Steelers and the returning Kurt-Lee Arendse of Mitsubishi Dynaboars who will play alongside Lukhanyo Am.

“I haven’t linked with up the guys yet but I’ve spoken to Grant (Williams) and Lukhanyo (Am) and I’m sure when we get together we’ll have a great time.

“It does help having guys from the same country in same place.”

Fassi may be buoyed by having compatriots in close proximity but his priority is to perform on the field for his new employers.

"The biggest thing for me is that I’ve come to Japan to do a job here for Toshiba.

“I’m enjoying it so far, I’m here to learn and to contribute to the club in the best possible way I can.”

When asked about what’s next on his schedule, with the Nations Championship’s Northern Hemisphere stage looming next month, the modest 2025 Rugby Championship winner did not want to forecast his Test rugby return.

“I’ll wait and see if I get the call (for South Africa), if I’ll be on the plane.”

Fassi will be among Toshiba’s replacements for their home game against second division side Koto Shimizu Blue Sharks on Saturday with Clarke starting at full-back.

Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for on-site coverage of the 2026-2027 League One season