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Celebrating Sean van Zijl’s Inspiring Journey of Hard Work, Passion, and Perseverance

Sean van Zijl’s rugby journey continues to inspire. After making his mark at the Western Province International Rugby Institute (WPIRI) in 2024, Sean has gone on to achieve even greater heights in 2025.

 

This year, Sean proudly represented Nelson Mandela University as part of the Madibaz Varsity Shield squad, where his relentless drive and standout performances quickly earned him recognition. He was honoured as a contestant for the prestigious Varsity Shield “Forward That Rocks” award, a testament to his work ethic, impact, and presence on the field. Together with his Madibaz teammates, Sean fought his way into the Varsity Shield Final 2025—a milestone moment in his growing rugby career.

 

Adding to his achievements, Sean has now been selected to represent the Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) U21 squad, continuing his climb up the rugby ladder.

 

Sean’s journey from “Bulletjie Rugby” in Gauteng, to WP colours at WPIRI, to the Varsity Shield stage and now provincial honours with EPRU U21, is proof of his unwavering determination and perseverance. With his sights still set on ultimately representing the Springboks, Sean’s story reminds every aspiring player that resilience, passion, and discipline can take you all the way.

 

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The Journey of Emma Bester

Emma Bester’s rugby journey is a story of passion, perseverance, and remarkable growth. Now a first-year student-athlete at the Western Province International Rugby Institute (WPIRI) and a proud member of our Women’s Rugby Programme, Emma is already making her mark on the game.

 

Her rugby career began in 2022 at Brackenfell High School, playing for Brackenfell Junior Girls and Brackenfell Rugby Club, where her potential was immediately recognised. That same year, Emma was sent to the Western Province trials, where she earned her WP U16 Colours. Her talent soon reached international levels when she represented the Rhinos International Team at the R10C tournament, helping her team to victory and securing the championship title.

Emma’s dedication and drive carried her into the Western Province U18 team in both 2023 and 2024, cementing her reputation as a rising star in women’s rugby. Now, in 2025, she has proudly been selected to represent the Western Province U20 Women’s Team while pursuing her studies as a first-year student-athlete at WPIRI.

Emma’s dream is to one day put on the green and gold jersey and represent the Springbok Women’s Team on the world stage. More than just her own ambition, Emma is determined to inspire the next generation of young women in sport, showing them that rugby — and sport as a whole — is not defined by gender, but by heart, hard work, and belief.

Her message to other young players is clear: “Never give up and keep pushing — your time will come.”

From her beginnings at Brackenfell High School to the provincial stage, Emma Bester’s journey is only just beginning — and the future looks incredibly bright. As more women step onto the field and claim their place in sport, Emma stands as a powerful example of what dedication, resilience, and representation can achieve.

 

 

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Shining a spotlight on Moses Nande

From dedication to domination — the rugby journey of Moses Nande is nothing short of inspiring.

 

Moses began his path to greatness at the UXi Sport Western Province International Rugby Institute in 2021–2022, where his relentless work ethic and passion for the game set him apart from day one.

 

His career milestones speak for themselves:

– 2022 – Selected for the Western Province U19 team

– 2023 – Represented the Griffons U21 team

 

Now, on the 11th of July 2025, Moses achieved a major career breakthrough, making his First Division Currie Cup debut for the Border Bulldogs!

 

Moses’s journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and never giving up on your dream. The entire UXi Sport family celebrates this incredible achievement and can’t wait to see what’s next for this rising star.

 

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UXi Griquas Rugby Institute Players Capped for thrilling Currie Cup Curtain Raiser Match!

Before their curtain-raiser clash against Free State International Rugby Institute, our players received their jerseys from Griquas Currie Cup captain Cebo Dlamini and inside centre Mnombo Zwelendaba – ahead of the Senior Griquas vs WP Currie Cup showdown.

 

What an unforgettable moment to share the field on match day with the pros, representing Griquas Rugby Institute with pride and passion.

 

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Big congratulations to Joshua Bester, a dedicated first-year student at WPIRI, and Danny Colgan, our newest international student from Ireland, on their invitation to train with the Western Province U21 Squad!

Big congratulations to Joshua Bester, a dedicated first-year student at WPIRI, and Danny Colgan, our newest international student from Ireland, on their invitation to train with the Western Province U21 Squad!

 

Joshua has shown consistent growth and commitment throughout the year, while Danny has made a huge impact in just a few weeks. Both embody the hard work, discipline, and hunger it takes to chase greatness.

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UXi Griquas Rugby Institute Student-Athletes Shine in Frances Baard Cup Final!

This past weekend the UXi Griquas Rugby Institute student-athletes represented Kimberley Rugby Club team for the final against Hartswater on 26 July. They walked away as Frances Baard Cup Champions with a thrilling 33–30 victory!

 

These UXi Sport GRI student-athletes helped secure the gold:

Letlotlo Manyetsa

JC Engelbrecht

Devrone Januarie

Sihle Mokwene

Xavier Magerman

Gabriel Hinkman

Xavier Salmons

Ashwin Heynes

 

Special shoutout to Griquas Rugby Institute Coaches TP Moshodi and Forwards Coach Dolph Botha for their leadership and impact on the team’s success!

 

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SPRINGBOK SEVENS CALL-UP FOR LIDENE KRUGER!

From the hockey field to the rugby pitch, Lidene Kruger has proven that passion, dedication, and bold choices can unlock extraordinary opportunities.

 

After transitioning from hockey to rugby post-high school, Lidene joined the UXi Sport Griquas Rugby Institute in 2024—and her rise since then has been nothing short of remarkable!

In 2024, Lidene was selected for the Junior Springbok U20 Women’s Camp, showcasing her talent and work ethic.

She continued her journey at Sol Plaatje University, in 2025 and proudly represents the Griquas Women on the provincial stage.

 

Now, she’s reached new heights: Lidene has been invited to the Springbok Women’s Sevens Training Camp—an elite opportunity reserved for the best emerging talent in the country!

 

Lidene’s journey is proof that greatness can come from local roots. Her fearless attitude and hunger for growth have taken her from regional standout to national prospect—and we couldn’t be prouder!

 

Congratulations, Lidene! Your UXi Sport and Griquas family are behind you every step of the way.

Keep chasing that green and gold dream—you’re just getting started!

 

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From UXi Sport to the World Stage

In 2024, Joe Kaufmann joined us at UXi Sport, Western Province International Rugby Institute for just a few weeks — but the impact of that time turned into something far greater than we ever imagined.

 

His parents were initially hesitant. Was he too young? Should they wait a year? But one conversation changed everything. We told them: “If he has the time to do it now – he should. You never know what’s around the corner.”

 

They took the leap. Joe arrived in South Africa ready to learn, grow, and embrace everything on and off the field. And what followed became a catalyst in his rugby journey:

 

* U18 Rugby Canada Camp – where he landed a long-list spot for the U20 National Team

* Selected for the 2025 Oceania Rugby Challenge in Fiji — where he faced Tonga and Samoa

* Rugby Scholarship to University of British Columbia – one of Canada’s top rugby programs

* Accepted into the Crusaders International Rugby Academy in New Zealand

* “Love of the Game” Scholarship from Rugby Canada

* Selected for the U20 7s Provincial Side for Canada’s National Summer Games

* Long-listed for the Men’s Rugby Canada 7s Team

 

An unforgettable year filled with milestones, international opportunities, and elite development — all sparked by a single decision to grab the moment.

Joe’s story is a powerful reminder that when you make time for your dreams, the world makes room for your success.

 

We’re incredibly proud of you, Joe! You’ll always be part of the UXi family.

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CALVIN GUNTER’S NEW ZEALAND RUGBY JOURNEY

At the start of 2025, Calvin Gunter, student-athlete at Harlequins International Rugby Institute 2024, took a bold step in his rugby journey — heading to Geraldine Rugby Club in New Zealand to play and coach. Embracing the challenge in one of the world’s top rugby nations, Calvin’s passion and dedication were clear from day one.

Now, in July 2025, his hard work is paying off — Calvin has been selected for the South Canterbury Colts Training Squad

From HIRI to the international stage, Calvin’s growth is a testament to his relentless drive and the strength of the UXi Sport pathway.

 

We’re proud to see you shine, Calvin — and this is just the beginning!

 

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DUTCH DUO DOMINATE

Joren Buijs and Luc Brulot, two international student-athletes from Western Province International Rugby Institute have both been selected to represent Rugby Nederland U18 at the 2025 European Championship U18!

 

From the fields of Stellenbosch to the international stage, these two standout student-athletes are flying the UXi Sport flag high in Europe.

 

Joren Buijs – A dynamic force who continues to impress with his skill and leadership.

Luc Brulot – A rising star proving the power of hard work and international opportunity.

 

Well done, gents — we are so proud of how far you have come!

 

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