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Jesse Kriel
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Key Information
Jesse André Kriel (born 15 February 1994) is a South African professional rugby union player who currently plays for the Canon Eagles in the Japanese Top League and South Africa national rugby team.[5] His regular playing position is as a utility back but can also play centre, wing or fullback. Kriel was part of the national team who won the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he played in all the games of the latter.
Career
[edit]Youth
[edit]As a scholar at Maritzburg College, Kriel was selected in the Sharks squad for the Under–18 Craven Week tournament, where his performance earned him an inclusion in the South African Schools side in 2012.[6] He started in matches against France,[7] and England[8] and was an unused substitute against Wales[9] in the three-match series played in August 2012.
After finishing school, Kriel – along with twin brother Dan – made the move to Pretoria to join the Blue Bulls prior to the 2013 season.[10]
Despite not initially being named in the South Africa Under-20 squad for the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship,[11] a hamstring injury suffered by Sergeal Petersen led to Kriel's inclusion into the squad.[12]
Kriel appeared as a substitute in their first match of the competition and scored two tries in a comprehensive 97–0 victory over the United States.[13] Further substitute appearances followed against England[14] and France.[15] He was an unused substitute in their semi-final match against Wales,[16] before making his first start of the competition in the third-placed play-off match against New Zealand.
For the remainder of 2013, Kriel played more youth rugby for the Blue Bulls, scoring 42 points in ten matches to help the Blue Bulls U19 win the 2013 Under-19 Provincial Championship competition[17] and also making three appearances for the Blue Bulls U21 side.
Kriel was included in the South Africa Under-20 side for the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship,[18] and also named one of two vice-captains for the tournament.[19]
Senior career
[edit]In 2014, Kriel was included in the Bulls training squad prior to the 2014 Super Rugby season,[20] but failed to make any matchday squads, instead playing for the Blue Bulls in the 2014 Vodacom Cup competition. His first class debut came on 8 March 2014 against Griquas in Pretoria[21] and he scored his first senior try just a week later, in their match against the Pumas.[22]
In June 2015, he extended his contract at the Bulls until October 2018,[23] which was extended even more until October 2019 just two months later following Kriel's call-up to the South Africa squad.[24]
South Africa
[edit]
In June 2015, Kriel was named in an extended South Africa squad prior to the 2015 Rugby Championship.[25] He started for South Africa in a warm-up match against a World XV, helping them to a 46–10 win.[26] He was named in the squad for their opening Rugby Championship match against Australia[27] and was named as the starting centre for the match to become Springbok Number 867.[28] Not only was this match Kriel's test debut, but he also scored his first test try in the 44th minute of the match. However, he ended the match on the losing side, with a late Tevita Kuridrani try securing a 24–20 victory for Australia.[29]
Kriel was named in South Africa's squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.[30] However he had to withdraw through injury in the pool stage and was replaced by Damian Willemse.[31] South Africa went on to win the tournament, defeating England in the final.[32]
Honours
[edit]South Africa
- 2025 Rugby Championship winner
International statistics
[edit]Test Match record
[edit]- As of 23 November 2025
| Against | P | W | D | L | Tri | Pts | %Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 82.35 | |
| 13 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 53.85 | |
| 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 57.14 | |
| 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 85.71 | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 | |
| 7 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 28.57 | |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 100 | |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 66.67 | |
| 14 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 2 | 10 | 28.57 | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 | |
| 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 100 | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 100 | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 100 | |
| 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 55.56 | |
| Total | 87 | 54 | 3 | 30 | 20 | 100 | 62.07 |
P = Games Played, W = Games Won, D = Games Drawn, L = Games Lost, Tri = Tries Scored, Pts = Points Scored
International tries
[edit]- As of 1 November 2025
Personal life
[edit]Kriel is the twin brother of Dan Kriel,[34] both being professional South African rugby players and the great-grandson of John Hodgson (1909-1970), who played 15 games for the British and Irish Lions in the 1930s.[35] He is a fluent Zulu speaker.
Notes
[edit]- ^ a b In addition to playing in test matches, Kriel featured in a match against a World XV in Cape Town in July 2015.[1] This match has an equivalent status to international tour matches, but was played on home soil.[2] He also played for a Springbok XV that played against the Barbarians in London in November 2016. While this match was a first class match recognised by World Rugby,[3] the South African Rugby Union did not award this match tour match status and no caps were awarded to players that appeared in this match.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ South African Rugby Annual 2016. South African Rugby Union. 2016. pp. 124–125. ISBN 978-0-620-69290-8.
- ^ South African Rugby Annual 2018. South African Rugby Union. 2018. p. 60. ISBN 978-0-620-78461-0.
- ^ "2016 South Africa Tour (ENG/ITA/WAL), Match 1". World Rugby. 5 November 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
- ^ South African Rugby Annual 2017. South African Rugby Union. 2017. pp. 172–173. ISBN 978-0-620-74427-0.
- ^ "SA Rugby Player Profile – Jesse Kriel". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
- ^ "SA Rugby Squad – South Africa : 2012 SA Schools 2012". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
- ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 17–7 France". South African Rugby Union. 10 August 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
- ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 36–29 England". South African Rugby Union. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
- ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 24–16 Wales". South African Rugby Union. 14 August 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
- ^ "Bulls sign top school stars". Sport24. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
- ^ "Steenkamp leads powerful SA U20 JWC squad". South African Rugby Union. 25 April 2013. Archived from the original on 7 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
- ^ "Junior Springboks ready for JWC title defence". South African Rugby Union. 30 May 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
- ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 97–0 USA". South African Rugby Union. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
- ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 31–24 England". South African Rugby Union. 9 June 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
- ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – France 19–26 South Africa". South African Rugby Union. 13 June 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
- ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – South Africa 17–18 Wales". South African Rugby Union. 18 June 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
- ^ "Vodacom Blue Bulls win Under-19 title". South African Rugby Union. 26 October 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
- ^ "Junior Springboks named for JWC 2014". South African Rugby Union. 22 April 2014. Archived from the original on 7 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
- ^ "Pollard to lead Junior Boks at 2014 JWC". South African Rugby Union. 13 May 2014. Archived from the original on 7 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
- ^ "Bulls name training squad". Sport24. 13 December 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
- ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Vodacom Blue Bulls 24–26 GWK Griquas". South African Rugby Union. 8 March 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
- ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Steval Pumas 22–20 Vodacom Blue Bulls". South African Rugby Union. 15 March 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
- ^ "Vodacom Blue Bulls name Absa Currie Cup squad" (Press release). Bulls. 30 June 2015. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2015.
- ^ "Established Springboks to continue careers with Blue Bulls" (Press release). Bulls. 31 August 2015. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
- ^ "Eight uncapped players in extended Springbok squad". South African Rugby Union. 27 June 2015. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
- ^ "Willie Le Roux hattrick secures easy Springbok win over World XV". ESPN. 11 July 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
- ^ "Springbok squad for Brisbane confirmed". South African Rugby Union. 12 July 2015. Archived from the original on 9 June 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
- ^ "Burger back in Springbok starting line-up". South African Rugby Union. 15 July 2015. Archived from the original on 9 June 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
- ^ "Wallabies stun Boks at the death". SANZAR. 18 July 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
- ^ "South Africa World Cup squad: Siya Kolisi wins fitness battle, Eben Etzebeth backed, Aphiwe Dyantyi dropped". Independent. 26 August 2019. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
- ^ "Damian Willemse called up to replace Jesse Kriel in Springbok squad". thesouthafrican.com. 1 October 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
- ^ "England 12-32 South Africa: Springboks win World Cup for record-equalling third time". BBC. 2 November 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
- ^ https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/celeb-news/local-celebs/jesse-kriel-wife-girlfriend-stats-springbok-captain/
- ^ "The Kriel Twins- Jesse & Dan". SA School Sports – The Magazine. 12 November 2012. Archived from the original on 20 February 2015. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
- ^ "Bok centre reveals his great-grandfather was a British Lion". news24.com. sport24. 24 November 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
External links
[edit]- Jesse Kriel at Springboks
- Jesse Kriel at ESPNscrum (archived)
- Jesse Kriel at ItsRugby.co.uk
Jesse Kriel
View on GrokipediaEarly life and youth career
Early life
Jesse Kriel was born on 15 February 1994 in Cape Town, South Africa, alongside his twin brother Dan, who would also pursue a professional career in rugby.[3][4] Kriel hails from a family with deep ties to rugby, exemplified by his great-grandfather John Hodgson, an England international flanker who earned seven caps and toured with the British & Irish Lions in 1930 as Lion No. 265.[11] Growing up in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal—near Durban—in this rugby-influenced environment, Kriel was exposed to the sport from an early age through family anecdotes about Hodgson's tough playing style and achievements, fostering a household centered on athletic pursuits.[4][3] Beyond rugby, young Kriel showed a strong interest in fitness and physical conditioning, often sneaking into his school's gym at night using a copied key to train rigorously, reflecting his innate drive and discipline long before organized sports.[3] This blend of familial rugby legacy and personal athletic passion shaped his formative years, paving the way for his entry into formal youth training.[4]Youth career
Jesse Kriel attended Maritzburg College in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, where he represented the school's first XV rugby team from 2011 to 2012, primarily as a fullback.[12][13] In 2012, Kriel was selected for the Sharks Under-18 team to compete in the Under-18 Craven Week tournament, a premier South African youth rugby competition.[14] His performances during the event, including strong defensive play and attacking contributions as fullback for KwaZulu-Natal, marked him as one of the standout players and drew early scouting interest from senior provincial programs.[15][16][17] Following his Craven Week success, Kriel earned inclusion in the South African Schools team for the 2012 international series.[12][16] He started as fullback in matches against France and England, showcasing his versatility in the backline and contributing to victories that highlighted his potential as a utility back capable of playing centre or fullback.[18][19] Kriel's youth career was influenced by his family's rugby heritage, including his twin brother Daniel, who also played at a high school level.[19][20]Club career
Domestic debut with Blue Bulls
Kriel signed his first senior professional contract with the Blue Bulls in 2013, transitioning from his standout schoolboy career at Maritzburg College in Pietermaritzburg to the union's academy structure. This move marked the beginning of his domestic professional journey in South Africa, where he was positioned as a promising utility back capable of playing wing, fullback, or centre.[21] He made his senior debut for the Blue Bulls in the 2014 Vodacom Cup, the premier domestic development competition, appearing as a winger and fullback in several matches. Kriel contributed significantly to the team's attacking play, scoring multiple tries during the tournament. These performances highlighted his transition from youth rugby, where he had excelled for the South Africa Under-20s earlier that year, to the professional level.[22][23] Later in 2014, Kriel transitioned to the Currie Cup Premier Division, making his debut for the Blue Bulls in the competition and earning his first start, during which he scored his first Currie Cup try. Under the coaching staff led by Frans Ludeke, Kriel's development focused on building his defensive solidity and ball-carrying power to cope with the rigors of senior provincial rugby.[24] Early in his professional career, Kriel encountered challenges in adjusting to the heightened physical demands and tactical complexity of adult rugby, particularly the need for consistent high-intensity efforts over 80 minutes. However, his athleticism and work ethic led to notable outings that attracted national selectors' attention, positioning him as a rising talent in South African rugby by the end of 2014.[25]Super Rugby with the Bulls
Jesse Kriel made his Super Rugby debut for the Bulls in 2014 against the Melbourne Rebels, but it was in the 2015 season that he established himself as a regular starter, initially at fullback before transitioning to outside centre. His impressive performances that year, including dynamic attacking play, earned him a contract extension with the Blue Bulls until October 2018. Kriel's versatility and defensive solidity quickly made him a cornerstone of the backline, contributing to the team's competitive showings in the South African conference.[26][27] In 2016, Kriel had a standout season, featuring prominently as the Bulls reached the Super Rugby playoffs, finishing second in their conference and advancing to the quarter-finals where they fell to the Stormers. He scored multiple tries during the campaign, showcasing his ability to break lines and finish under pressure, which solidified his reputation as one of the competition's top centres. Over his Bulls tenure, Kriel amassed 70 appearances and 19 tries in Super Rugby, including a notable streak of scoring in four consecutive games between 2016 and 2019—the only centre to achieve this in that period.[28][12] Kriel faced setbacks with injuries, notably a torn ankle ligament in April 2019 that required surgery and sidelined him for six to eight weeks of Super Rugby, followed by a hamstring injury during South Africa's 2019 Rugby World Cup opener against New Zealand, forcing his withdrawal from the tournament. The 2020 season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a form dip amid limited play. However, Kriel recovered strongly in his final season with the Bulls.[29]Move to Japan with Canon Eagles
Kriel first experienced Japanese rugby with the NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes from 2015 to 2016 before returning to the Bulls. He signed a contract with the Canon Eagles in May 2019, departing the Bulls after the Super Rugby season to pursue fresh opportunities in Japan's Top League, now known as Japan Rugby League One.[30][31] The move represented a significant career transition, driven by the allure of a new rugby environment and the financial stability offered by Japanese clubs to international talents.[32] Adapting to Japanese rugby required Kriel to adjust to its distinctive style, characterized by a rapid tempo, emphasis on quick recycling, and relentless intensity that demands high fitness levels.[33] Culturally, he navigated the profound rugby enthusiasm in Japan, where the sport permeates society and fosters a disciplined team ethos, helping him integrate over time despite initial challenges like language barriers and differing training regimens.[31] In the 2023-24 League One season, Kriel appeared in 10 matches for the Canon Eagles, starting nine and contributing two tries to the team's campaign.[5] His form improved markedly in the 2024-25 season, where he played 16 games, scored eight tries, and amassed 40 points, providing crucial midfield stability and attacking impetus that bolstered the Eagles' competitiveness in Division 1.[34] Kriel's longstanding commitment was underscored in November 2025 when he became the first non-Japanese player to captain the Yokohama Canon Eagles, a role he described as "a huge honour" reflecting his deep bond with the club after nearly seven years.[9] This appointment highlights his leadership growth while balancing demanding club schedules with broader professional obligations. His earlier Super Rugby tenure with the Bulls served as vital preparation for thriving in an overseas league.[35]International career
Springboks debut and early selections
Jesse Kriel made his Test debut for the Springboks on 18 July 2015, starting at outside centre against Australia in the Rugby Championship at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.[2] At the age of 21, he marked the occasion by scoring a try in a 24-20 defeat, becoming Springbok number 867 under coach Heyneke Meyer.[3] His impressive performances in Super Rugby for the Bulls that season had earned him the call-up, showcasing his explosive ball-carrying and defensive solidity.[36] Kriel's rapid rise continued with inclusion in the South Africa squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, where he featured in all seven of the Springboks' matches, primarily as outside centre.[2] He started in key pool-stage games against Japan, Scotland, the United States, and Wales, contributing to victories that saw the team advance to the semi-finals.[37] His versatility was evident early, as he also started on the right wing against Argentina in August 2015 and provided cover from the bench in another outing.[2] By the end of 2015, Kriel had accumulated 11 caps, establishing himself as a promising utility back capable of playing both centre positions and fullback.[36] Under new coach Allister Coetzee in 2016, Kriel remained a fixture in the squad but faced challenges amid the team's overall struggles, appearing in six Tests—three as a starter at outside centre and three from the bench.[2] The Springboks endured a winless Rugby Championship that year, with heavy defeats to New Zealand and narrow losses to Australia highlighting broader inconsistencies, though Kriel's work rate and physicality were consistent positives.[38] By 2017, he solidified his role as a regular starter at outside centre across all 10 Tests, scoring three tries and helping the team to a more competitive record, including series wins over France and victories against Argentina and Australia.[2] Despite occasional form dips linked to the team's transitional phase, Kriel's adaptability and defensive reliability ensured his recall, amassing 27 caps by the end of 2017.[39]Major tournaments and achievements
Jesse Kriel was a key member of the Springboks squad that won the 2019 Rugby World Cup, contributing in the pool stages before sustaining a tournament-ending injury ahead of the knockout phase.[40] His inclusion in the 31-man squad underscored his importance to the backline, where he provided athleticism and defensive solidity during the early matches.[12] In the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Kriel featured in all seven matches for the Springboks, forming a pivotal midfield partnership with Damian de Allende and excelling as a defensive anchor. His standout performances, including a heroic effort in the quarter-final victory over France despite a bloodied face, helped secure South Africa's second World Cup title in a row.[41] Kriel's seamless integration after Lukhanyo Am's injury highlighted his reliability, with his work rate and tackling proving instrumental in the team's gritty triumphs.[42] Kriel played a significant role in the Springboks' Rugby Championship victories, starting multiple games in the 2019 edition that marked their first title in a decade.[43] He continued his involvement in the 2024 campaign, scoring a crucial try in the 48-7 decider against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium to clinch back-to-back championships.[44] During the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour, Kriel was named in the expanded 46-man Springboks squad, adding personal significance due to his great-grandfather's historical ties to the fixture, though he did not feature in the Test series.[45] His selection reflected his growing stature within the team ahead of subsequent successes. Kriel achieved captaincy milestones in 2025, first leading the Springboks in a non-Test match against the Barbarians in June, followed by his official debut as the 67th Test captain against Italy in July, and later against New Zealand at Eden Park in September.[46][47][10] By November 2025, he had earned 86 caps for South Africa, surpassing 79 earlier in the year amid a dominant season.[1] Kriel has received individual recognition, including a nomination for SA Rugby Young Player of the Year in 2015 following his early international promise.[48]Statistics and records
Test match statistics
Jesse Kriel has represented the Springboks in 87 Test matches as of November 16, 2025, starting 74 times and appearing as a substitute on 13 occasions.[2] He has accumulated 105 points from 21 tries during these appearances.[2] Kriel's positional versatility includes primarily starting at outside centre, with occasional starts on the right wing and substitute roles across the backline, including fullback.[2] He maintains a clean disciplinary record, having never received a yellow or red card in Test rugby.[5] Kriel's Test record demonstrates strong performance against Rugby Championship rivals and northern hemisphere teams alike. The following table summarizes his appearances by major opponents, including South Africa's win-loss outcomes in those matches:| Opponent | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 16 | 13 | 0 | 3 |
| Australia | 17 | 9 | 2 | 6 |
| New Zealand | 15 | 4 | 1 | 10 |
| England | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| France | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Ireland | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Wales | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Scotland | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Japan | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
