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Jesse Kriel
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

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Youth

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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

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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

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Kriel scoring a try for South Africa during the 2015 Rugby World Cup

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

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South Africa

International statistics

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Test Match record

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As of 23 November 2025
Against P W D L Tri Pts %Won
 Argentina 17 14 0 3 2 10 82.35
 Australia 13 7 2 4 2 10 53.85
 England 7 4 0 3 1 5 57.14
 France 7 6 0 1 3 15 85.71
 Georgia 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
 Ireland 7 2 0 5 0 0 28.57
 Italy 2 2 0 0 1 5 100
 Japan 3 2 0 1 1 5 66.67
 New Zealand 14 4 1 9 2 10 28.57
 Samoa 1 1 0 0 0 0 100
 Scotland 4 4 0 0 1 5 100
 Tonga 1 1 0 0 1 5 100
 United States 1 1 0 0 1 5 100
 Wales 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

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As of 1 November 2025
Try Opposing team Location Venue Competition Date Result Score
1  Australia Brisbane, Australia Lang Park 2015 Rugby Championship 18 July 2015 Loss 24–20
2  New Zealand Johannesburg, South Africa Ellis Park Stadium 2015 Rugby Championship 25 July 2015 Loss 20–27
3  United States London, England Olympic Stadium 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool B 7 October 2015 Win 64–0
4  France Pretoria, South Africa Loftus Versfeld Stadium 2017 France tour of South Africa 10 June 2017 Win 37–14
5  France Johannesburg, South Africa Ellis Park Stadium 2017 France tour of South Africa 24 June 2017 Win 35–12
6  Australia Perth, Australia Perth Oval 2017 Rugby Championship 9 September 2017 Draw 23–23
7  France Saint-Denis, France Stade de France 2017 end-of-year tests 18 November 2017 Win 17–18
8  Wales Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2017 end-of-year tests 2 December 2017 Loss 24–22
9  England Cape Town, South Africa Newlands Stadium 2018 England tour of South Africa 23 June 2018 Loss 10–25
10  New Zealand Pretoria, South Africa Loftus Versfeld Stadium 2018 Rugby Championship 6 October 2018 Loss 30–32
11  Scotland Edinburgh, Scotland Murrayfield Stadium 2018 end-of-year tests 17 November 2018 Win 20–26
12  Wales Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2018 end-of-year tests 24 November 2018 Loss 20–11
13  Wales Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2023 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches 19 August 2023 Win 16–52
14
15  Tonga Marseille, France Stade Vélodrome 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B 1 October 2023 Win 49–18
16  Wales London, England Twickenham Stadium 2024 mid-year tests 22 June 2024 Win 41–13
17  Argentina Santiago del Estero, Argentina Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades 2024 Rugby Championship 21 September 2024 Loss 29–28
18  Argentina Mbombela, South Africa Mbombela Stadium 2024 Rugby Championship 28 September 2024 Win 48–7
19  Italy Pretoria, South Africa Loftus Versfeld Stadium 2025 Italy tour of South Africa 5 July 2025 Win 42–24
20  Japan London, England Wembley Stadium 2025 end-of-year tests 1 November 2025 Win 7–61

Personal life

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[33]

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

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jesse Kriel is a South African professional player who primarily plays as a centre for the in Japan's League One and represents the Springboks internationally, where he has earned 86 Test caps and scored 21 tries as of November 2025. Born on 15 February 1994 in to a family with rugby heritage—his great-grandfather John Hodgson was an England international flanker—Kriel grew up in and attended , where he honed his skills alongside future teammates like . Kriel's professional career began with the Bulls in in 2013, where he played 70 matches before moving to the in 2019 following the . Standing at 1.86 metres and weighing 98 kilograms, he is renowned for his athleticism, powerful ball-carrying, and robust defence, often starting at outside centre (position 13). He made his Springboks debut in July 2015 against in , scoring a try in a 24-20 loss, and went on to feature in all seven matches at the . A key member of the Springboks' backline, Kriel contributed to their triumphs in the and 2023 Rugby World Cups, starting in the 2023 final where defended their title with a 12-11 victory over despite a on him leading to the first red card in a Cup final. He also played a pivotal role in the Springboks' 2024 Rugby Championship win, scoring a try in the decisive 48-7 victory over . In 2025, Kriel captained the Springboks for the first time against and later against at , showcasing his leadership while continuing to excel for his club, where he was named the first non-Japanese captain of the Canon Eagles in November 2025. Kriel has a twin brother, Dan, also a professional rugby centre who has played for teams including the and Sharks.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Jesse Kriel was born on 15 February 1994 in , , alongside his twin brother Dan, who would also pursue a professional career in rugby. Kriel hails from a family with deep ties to rugby, exemplified by his great-grandfather John Hodgson, an international flanker who earned seven caps and toured with the in 1930 as Lion No. 265. Growing up in , —near —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. 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. This blend of familial rugby legacy and personal athletic passion shaped his formative years, paving the way for his entry into formal youth training.

Youth career

Jesse Kriel attended in , , where he represented the school's first XV rugby team from 2011 to , primarily as a fullback. In , Kriel was selected for the Under-18 team to compete in the Under-18 tournament, a premier South African youth rugby . His performances during the event, including strong defensive play and attacking contributions as fullback for , marked him as one of the standout players and drew early scouting interest from senior provincial programs. Following his success, Kriel earned inclusion in the South African Schools team for the 2012 international series. He started as fullback in matches against and , showcasing his versatility in the backline and contributing to victories that highlighted his potential as a utility back capable of playing centre or fullback. 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.

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 in to the union's academy structure. This move marked the beginning of his domestic professional journey in , where he was positioned as a promising utility back capable of playing wing, fullback, or centre. 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 Under-20s earlier that year, to the professional level. Later in 2014, Kriel transitioned to the Premier Division, making his debut for the Blue Bulls in the competition and earning his first start, during which he scored his first 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. 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 led to notable outings that attracted national selectors' attention, positioning him as a rising talent in South African rugby by the end of 2014.

Super Rugby with the Bulls

Jesse Kriel made his Super Rugby debut for the Bulls in 2014 against the , 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 of the backline, contributing to the team's competitive showings in the South African conference. In , Kriel had a standout season, featuring prominently as the Bulls reached the playoffs, finishing second in their conference and advancing to the quarter-finals where they fell to the . 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 , including a notable streak of scoring in four consecutive games between and 2019—the only centre to achieve this in that period. 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 , followed by a hamstring injury during South Africa's 2019 Rugby World Cup opener against , forcing his withdrawal from the tournament. The 2020 season was disrupted by the , leading to a form dip amid limited play. However, Kriel recovered strongly in his final season with the Bulls.

Move to Japan with Canon Eagles

Kriel first experienced Japanese rugby with the 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 season to pursue fresh opportunities in Japan's Top League, now known as . 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. 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. Culturally, he navigated the profound rugby enthusiasm in Japan, where the sport permeates society and fosters a disciplined , helping him integrate over time despite initial challenges like language barriers and differing training regimens. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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 in the Rugby Championship at Suncorp Stadium in . At the age of 21, he marked the occasion by scoring a try in a 24-20 defeat, becoming Springbok number 867 under coach . His impressive performances in for the Bulls that season had earned him the call-up, showcasing his explosive ball-carrying and defensive solidity. Kriel's rapid rise continued with inclusion in the South Africa squad for the in , where he featured in all seven of the Springboks' matches, primarily as outside centre. He started in key pool-stage games against , , the , and , contributing to victories that saw the team advance to the semi-finals. His versatility was evident early, as he also started on the right wing against in August 2015 and provided cover from the bench in another outing. 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. Under new coach 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. The Springboks endured a winless that year, with heavy defeats to and narrow losses to highlighting broader inconsistencies, though Kriel's work rate and physicality were consistent positives. 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 and victories against and . 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.

Major tournaments and achievements

Jesse Kriel was a key member of the Springboks squad that won the , contributing in the pool stages before sustaining a tournament-ending injury ahead of the knockout phase. His inclusion in the 31-man squad underscored his importance to the backline, where he provided athleticism and defensive solidity during the early matches. In the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Kriel featured in all seven matches for the Springboks, forming a pivotal midfield partnership with and excelling as a defensive anchor. His standout performances, including a heroic effort in the quarter-final victory over despite a bloodied face, helped secure South Africa's second World Cup title in a row. 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. Kriel played a significant role in the Springboks' victories, starting multiple games in the 2019 edition that marked their first title in a decade. He continued his involvement in the 2024 campaign, scoring a crucial try in the 48-7 decider against at to clinch back-to-back championships. 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. 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. By November 2025, he had earned 86 caps for South Africa, surpassing 79 earlier in the year amid a dominant season. Kriel has received individual recognition, including a for SA Rugby Young Player of the Year in 2015 following his early international promise.

Statistics and records

Test match statistics

Jesse Kriel has represented the Springboks in 87 matches as of November 16, 2025, starting 74 times and appearing as a substitute on 13 occasions. He has accumulated 105 points from 21 tries during these appearances. 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. He maintains a clean disciplinary record, having never received a yellow or red card in rugby. 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:
OpponentPlayedWinsDrawsLosses
161303
17926
154110
7403
7601
5203
8503
4400
2101
These statistics encompass key tournaments such as the Rugby World Cups and Rugby Championships where Kriel has been a regular selection.

Tries and points scored

Jesse Kriel has scored 21 tries in his international career for the Springboks, accumulating a total of 105 points as of November 2025. His scoring rate stands at approximately one try every 4.1 tests across 87 caps. Kriel's first international try came on debut against in on 18 July 2015, crossing in a 24-20 loss during . A significant milestone arrived in his second World Cup appearance, where he scored two tries against the in a 64-0 pool win at the 2015 tournament in . His 20th try was marked against in a 61-7 victory on 1 November 2025 in . His 21st try came against in a 32-14 win on 15 November 2025 in . In major tournaments, Kriel has notched three World Cup tries: two in 2015 against the and one in 2023 against during a 49-18 pool-stage win in . For the , he has six tries, including braces against (2015) and (2024), plus singles against (2015) and others. Other notable tries include three against across mid-year and end-of-year tests (2017), and four against in various internationals (2017-2024). Kriel's tries are distributed across opponents as follows: four against , three against , two against , one against , one against , two against , and one each against , , , , and . His most recent tries in 2025 came against (5 July, 42-24 win in ), (1 November, 61-7 rout in ), and (15 November, 32-14 win in ). Kriel has not scored any non-try points, with no recorded conversions, penalties, or drop goals in test matches.

Personal life

Family and background

Jesse Kriel was born in , , on 15 February 1994, to a family with deep roots in the region, before being raised in , . His immediate family includes his mother, Angie Hodgson, a former Springbok swimmer who has been a vocal supporter throughout his career, expressing overwhelming emotion upon his appointment as Springboks captain in 2025 and noting her pride in watching his games from home in Port Edward with friends and family. Kriel shares a close bond with his twin brother, Daniel David Kriel, a professional rugby centre currently playing for the in the United States, highlighting the family's strong rugby-oriented dynamic. He also has a younger brother, though details about him remain private beyond the family's collective attendance at key matches, such as the 2025 Springboks game in . The Kriel family's rugby heritage extends to his great-grandfather, John McDonald Hodgson, a former player for the Barbarians and the in , whose legacy has influenced Kriel's passion for the sport and commitment to representing on the international stage. This familial connection underscores the ongoing ties to rugby, with Kriel's relatives providing emotional support during major career milestones, including his leadership in the Springboks. Currently residing in since joining the Canon Eagles in 2019, Kriel has adapted to life abroad while maintaining strong connections with his South African family, who continue to follow and celebrate his achievements from afar. His mother's encouragement and the family's presence at events reflect their in bolstering his resilience and professional drive amid international moves.

Relationships and public interests

Jesse Kriel has been in a long-term relationship with Hope , a , since June 2018. The couple, who have been together for over seven years as of 2025, frequently appear together at public events, including rugby matches and social gatherings, where Mortimer is often highlighted for her supportive presence alongside Springboks players' partners. Their relationship is described as stable, with Kriel occasionally sharing glimpses of their life together on . On Instagram, where Kriel maintains an account with over 337,000 followers under the handle @jessekriel15, he actively shares content focused on fitness routines, training tips, and motivational posts emphasizing discipline and hard work. These include videos of intense workouts, such as leg day sessions that showcase his physical preparation, and messages promoting relentless effort both on and off the field. Kriel uses the platform to advocate for fitness as a , often tying it to his rugby career while inspiring fans with content on personal growth and consistency. Beyond rugby, Kriel engages in endorsements that align with his interests in wellness and performance, partnering with brands like Nike for athletic wear, Applied Nutrition for supplements, and Rooibos Man for skincare products that support daily habits and confidence. He promotes these through posts highlighting how such routines fuel his mindset, positioning himself as an advocate for holistic fitness. During off-seasons, Kriel has expressed enjoyment in , using the time to recharge away from the demands of professional rugby. Kriel's public image as a relatable star has been reinforced by his appointment as Springboks captain in 2025, where he responded with humility, describing the role as a "massive " while admitting initial nervousness about the responsibility. He emphasized the significance of leading the team through both good and tough times, portraying himself as a grounded leader committed to the sport's values. This persona, combined with his approachable engagement, has endeared him to fans as an inspiring figure beyond the pitch.

References

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