There’s a certain calm to Aphelele Fassi when he speaks. It’s not arrogance, and it’s definitely not indifference — it’s clarity. The kind that only comes from a player who’s been through the system, worn the jersey, faced setbacks, and come out hungrier.
This week, during a media engagement with the Springboks, Fassi offered a refreshing and mature perspective on what many in the media love to frame as a “fullback battle royale” between himself, Damian Willemse, and Willie le Roux. And while the headlines are quick to feed narratives of internal rivalries, Fassi shut it down with the same coolness he shows under the high ball.
I don’t think it’s a rivalry, he said. We’re helping each other every week, learning, growing, and building a squad in the right direction.
Aphelele Fassi
That’s the kind of rugby culture South African media needs to spotlight more.
Fassi’s rise has been anything but linear. After an injury spell with the Sharks, he fought his way back, finishing the season with a strong string of games. Yet, instead of pushing for his “place” or pleading his case, he spoke more about development — not just personal, but collective.
I never know when my best is, he admitted. I just want to keep improving as a rugby player.
Aphelele Fassi
This humility paired with a deep hunger for growth is why Fassi deserves our backing — not just as a talent, but as a voice.
He’s also quick to credit the environment that allows that development. Whether it’s Willie’s experience, which he called “massive”, or the freedom given by Rassie and Tony Brown, Fassi paints a picture of a Bok camp not dictated by ego or seniority, but one where learning and collaboration are central pillars.
You’re not boxed up — and that’s what we like. We’ve all got X-factors, but it’s about filtering that into the team.
Aphelele Fassi
In a time where fans are often fed clickbait headlines and polarising comparisons, this message matters. It’s not about who’s “better” between Fassi, Damian, or Willie. It’s about how different skill sets complement each other — and how each player is moulding their game within the Bok system.
Even when asked about being a backup goal-kicker — following his effort for the Sharks against the Scarlets — Fassi didn’t lean into bravado. He spoke of John Plumtree encouraging him, and how he’s “just trying to develop as many skills as I can.”
This isn’t someone playing for headlines. This is someone playing for his country — and doing it the right way.
There’s also something powerful in how he addressed the transition from franchise rugby to the Springboks. When asked about adjusting to different systems, he made it clear:
Once you come here, you’re collective. You forget everything else and focus on what’s needed.
Aphelele Fassi
For all the talk about “alignment”, that’s the real key — unity of mindset. And Fassi’s shown he’s locked in.
At Octafield, we believe in celebrating rugby’s thinkers — players who not only bring flair but understand their role in a bigger system. Fassi is exactly that kind of player. He’s not just running lines — he’s setting the tone for a new kind of professionalism and perspective.
So the next time the media stirs up a “selection battle”, take a beat. Listen to the players. Learn from the ones like Fassi who see beyond rivalry and focus on rugby.
Because as much as we need explosive plays on the pitch, we need level-headed voices off it even more.
