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From Pathway to Performance: Up and Under Alumni Shine on the National Stage
- Viaan Jonker
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The growth of girls’ rugby is often measured in numbers. At Up and Under, it is measured in journeys.
From 27 April to 01 May 2026, four former players from the Up and Under Ladies Rugby Academy (LRA) took part in the SA Rugby U20 Women’s Week, held at Alberton RFC in Johannesburg.
The tournament featured 14 provincial teams from across the country and remains one of the most important platforms for identifying and showcasing emerging talent in women’s rugby.
High Performance at the Top: Jo du Plessis & Emma Bester
Leading the way were Jo du Plessis and Emma Bester, both representing Western Province U20.
Both players were part of the Up and Under LRA during its early years and have continued to build on that foundation through consistent performances at school, provincial, and now tertiary level.
Jo progressed through DF Akademie’s programme before moving on to Stellenbosch University (Maties), where she competed in the Women's Varsity Cup and was part of the 2025 title-winning squad. Her selection for the 2025 SARU U19 High Performance training camp marked her first involvement at national development level.
Emma followed a high-performance pathway through the Western Province International Rugby Institute, furthering both her academic and rugby development. Like Jo, she has been a consistent provincial representative and was also selected for the 2025 SARU U19 High Performance camp.
Their inclusion in the Western Province U20 squad, and contribution to a dominant tournament campaign, reflects a level of consistency and progression that sets them apart.
A Journey of Persistence: Gemma Thomas
Gemma Thomas represents a different, but equally important pathway.
After her time in the LRA from 2021 to 2023, Gemma continued to represent her school and remained committed to her rugby despite not experiencing the same level of provincial success during her school years.
In 2025, she was selected for the Western Province Northern Region squad, and in 2026 she featured in the Women’s Varsity Cup while studying at the University of the Western Cape, where her team reached the final.
Her selection for Western Province U20 this year is a clear reflection of her continued effort and development over time.
Earning the Opportunity: Jade Saal
Jade Saal followed a similar path of persistence.
A member of the LRA from 2021 to 2023, Jade continued her rugby journey beyond school, stepping into senior women’s rugby structures. She was part of Union Milnerton during the 2025 season and now plays her club rugby at Mamre Rugby Club within the Boland union.
Her selection for Boland U20 highlights the value of staying committed to the process, even when opportunities at school level may have been limited.
Tournament Results
Western Province (Champions)
79–0 vs Free State
54–0 vs Boland
36–7 vs Eastern Province
Boland
29–22 vs Border
0–54 vs Western Province
7–27 vs Golden Lions
A Reflection of the Pathway
These four players represent different journeys through the same system.
From early identification and consistent provincial progression, to long-term perseverance and breakthrough at U20 level, their stories highlight the different ways success can be achieved within the game.
We are proud to have played a role in their development during their time in the Up and Under Ladies Rugby Academy, and we look forward to following their continued progress in the years ahead.
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