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.
