Saffy moved to Australia as a 15-year-old and continued playing rugby union at St Joseph's, Hunters Hill.

He played in St George's 2010 NRL Grand Final-winning team, and thus became the second South African-born player to win a premiership.

[citation needed] In April 2010, Saffy became the first NRL player to sign with the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby franchise.

[10] In October he commenced training with the Rebels for the new team's in the 2011 Super Rugby debut.

[11] In 2013 Saffy trained to be the Rebels first choice openside flanker, in competition with newcomers Scott Fuglistaller and Jordy Reid.