Phepsi Buthelezi

Phepsi Buthelezi
Full namePhendulani Sikhizane Hendrick Buthelezi
Born (1999-05-30) 30 May 1999
Height188 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight108 kg (238 lb)
SchoolDurban High School
Rugby union career
Position Loose forward
Current team Sharks / Sharks (Currie Cup)
Youth career
2014–2020 Sharks
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2019– Sharks 99 (60)
2019– Sharks (Currie Cup) 20 (20)
Correct as of 9 March 2025
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2017 South Africa Schools 2 (0)
2018 South Africa Under-20 7 (0)
2022 South Africa 'A' 2 (0)
2024– South Africa 1 (5)
Correct as of 1 September 2024

Phendulani Sikhizane Hendrick "Phepsi" Buthelezi (born 30 May 1999) is a South African rugby union player who plays for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship the Sharks in the Currie Cup .[1] He plays as a Loose forward.

Club rugby

Buthelezi made his Super Rugby debut for the Sharks in February 2019, coming on as a replacement in their 45–10 victory over the Sunwolves in Singapore.[2] Buthelezi was named as captain for thr 2021 Currie Cup Premier Division.[3]

During the 2025–26 United Rugby Championship, Buthelezi made his 100th appearance for the Sharks in international competitions.[4]

In December 2025, Buthelezi signed an extension to keep him with the Sharks through 2029.[5]

International

Buthelezi represented South Africa at youth level, playing for the South Africa Schools team in the 2017 Under-19 International Series[6] and for the South Africa Under-20 team at the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Championship.[7] Earned his first Springbok cap on 20 July 2024 v Portugal and scored a try.

References

  1. ^ "SA Rugby Player Profile – Phepsi Buthelezi". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 17 February 2019.
  2. ^ "Sunwolves 10-45 Sharks". SANZAAR. 16 February 2019. Retrieved 17 February 2019.
  3. ^ IOL, Phepsi Buthelezi announced as Sharks captain
  4. ^ "Sharks roll out another 13 Springboks as they search for first win". www.rugbypass.com. 23 October 2025. Retrieved 27 December 2025.
  5. ^ "Phepsi to keep fizzing for Sharks". SA Rugby magazine. 23 December 2025. Retrieved 27 December 2025.
  6. ^ "2017 U19 International Series". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 17 February 2019.
  7. ^ "2018 U20 World Rugby Championship". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 17 February 2019.