The two-time Currie Cup winner will be heading abroad, where he will link up with Zebre in Parma for the upcoming United Rugby Championship. Bester will join the Italian outfit on loan for the duration of the URC, with the talented centre keen to make the most of the opportunity before returning to Kimberley next season.

Bester was one of the Griquas’ standout performers during their memorable Currie Cup campaign, which concluded on Saturday with a hard-fought 23–16 victory over the Pumas in the final at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley.

Zane Bester in action against the Cheetahs earlier in the Currie Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

He is one of a handful of Griquas players heading out on loan, with hooker Tiaan Lange set to join the Lions, while Janco Uys will link up with the Bulls.

There are also players making permanent moves. Loosehead prop Eddie Davids will rejoin the Lions, while Carl Els is heading down the N8 to join the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Bester told OFM Sport the move represents a massive opportunity, but he will be back next season as the Peacock Blues set their sights on a third consecutive Currie Cup title.

“I know this weekend was crazy – we as a team are still celebrating those moments, but I’m very excited to go and play in the URC, and even more excited that I can go with my soon-to-be wife as well,” said Bester.

“We’re going together to Italy for the eight months, the duration of the URC. It’s going to be a challenge. I want to see if I can compete at that level and, obviously, try my best to compete with those bigger international clubs.

Janco Uys is going on loan to the Bulls. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I’m really privileged to get this opportunity and to go and play a bit of higher-level rugby. So, I’m really excited.

“I believe that we can get that third title, so that’s definitely going to be the goal every year when we play here for the Kwas.”

Meanwhile, in-form loose-forward Carl Els is leaving the Griquas permanently after six highly successful years in Kimberley, during which he helped the Peacock Blues lift two Currie Cup titles.

Cheetahs-bound Carl Els running out for his second Currie Cup final. Photo: Morgan Piek

Els told OFM Sport he played in the final with an injury, but refused to let the shoulder problem stand between him and a chance to help the Griquas lift the trophy.

“I told myself I had to do it because my shoulder was quite sore. My AC joint is gone; it was off, basically. I went for a scan in the week, but nothing too bad – it’s just painful.

“I’m looking forward to going to Bloem. The wife is also happy. I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to play EPCR and a bit of international rugby and see where I measure myself against other guys.

Carl Els, Zane Bester and Derik Pretorius after the 2025 Currie Cup final. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I am looking forward to joining the Cheetahs. The people there look amazing, the coaches look great, and yeah, I’m really looking forward to being able to hopefully add some value and just soak it all up.”

The URC kicks off next weekend, with Zebre hosting the Bulls in Parma in the opening round.

As for the Cheetahs, they will begin their Tbilisi Cup campaign against the Lusitanos of Portugal in Georgia on Thursday, 24 September.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm