Phepsi Buthelezi


Phendulani Sikhizane Hendrick "Phepsi" Buthelezi is a South African rugby union player who plays for the in the United Rugby Championship the in the Currie Cup. He plays as a Loose forward.

Club rugby

Buthelezi made his Super Rugby debut for the in February 2019, coming on as a replacement in their 45–10 victory over the in Singapore. Buthelezi was named as captain for thr 2021 Currie Cup Premier Division.
During the 2025–26 United Rugby Championship, Buthelezi made his 100th appearance for the Sharks in international competitions.
In December 2025, Buthelezi signed an extension to keep him with the Sharks through 2029.

International

Buthelezi represented South Africa at youth level, playing for the South [Africa national under-18 rugby union team|South Africa Schools] team in the 2017 Under-19 International Series and for the South Africa Under-20 team at the 2018 World Rugby Under [20 Championship]. Earned his first Springbok cap on 20 July 2024 v Portugal and scored a try.