Ethan Bester's rugby journey took shape at Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, where his front-row promise earned him selection for SA Schools in 2022. He continued his rise through the national age-group system in 2024, representing the Junior Springboks at both the Under-20 Rugby Championship and the World Rugby U20 Championship.
Bester made his professional debut for the Sharks in the 2024 Currie Cup Premier Division before earning his first top-side appearance in November 2024. He has since added appearances across the United Rugby Championship, Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup as part of a talented young hooking group at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
Recognition came quickly: in February 2025 he was called into a Springbok alignment camp as national selectors look towards the future. Still only 21, Bester is regarded as one of the Sharks' brightest long-term front-row prospects.
