Fassi and other rising stars decide their playing future

CONTRACT NEWS: More players have signed contract extensions with the Sharks.

Talented fullback Aphelele Fassi, 22, has extended his contract with the Sharks until the end of 2023.

Fassi was one of Super Rugby's star performers before the season was postponed due to COVID-19. He notched up 346 metres from 37 kick returns during the regular Super Rugby season, 92 metres more than any other player has gained via this method.

He made an average gain of 9.4 metres per kick return as well, which is the second-highest of any player to have made at least 15 kick returns this season.

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The Sharks also confirmed that promising loose forward James Venter, 24, has extended his contract until 2023.

Venter joined the Sharks from the Lions at the end of the 2019 rugby season and flourished in a strong Sharks pack in 2020.

Meanwhile, flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain, 21, scrumhalf Grant Williams, 24, and loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi, 24, have also put pen to paper until 2022 for the Durban side.

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The four players mentioned above are part spree of confirmed re-signings for the Sharks over the last few weeks.

Some of the big players to extend their stays include Boks Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Sibusiso Nkosi and Curwin Bosch.

Other players to put pen to paper include Ruben van Heerden, Madosh Tambwe, Kerron van Vuuren, Marius Louw, John-Hubert Meyer, Jaden Hendrikse, JJ van der Mescht, Khuta Mchunu, Dylan Richardson, James Venter, Evan Roos and Fez Mbatha.