Jesse Kriel

thumb|Jesse Kriel 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. His regular playing position is as a utility back but can also play centre, wing or fullback. Quotes It was a tough day when I heard that I was being sent home, but it didn’t take too long for me to shift my energy and focus. I have absolutely no regrets about the 2019 World Cup and the way things turned out. I gave my all to the Springbok team wherever I could and the boys did us proud by getting the job done. Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber have put plans in place before the 2021 Test season. Obviously a lot has happened over the past year and events were out of our control. I’d prefer to focus on what I can control. In the end, I’ve just got to work as hard as I can for the chance to play against the British & Irish Lions.’ I’m always searching for something else that can make me better Don’t get me wrong … there have been few times when a little voice in my head has said, “Maybe you’ve done enough, take the next day or two off.” That’s the kind of mental battle you have with yourself. That’s the challenge.’ We have a new attacking coach at Canon and he has introduced us to a range of training methods aimed at sharpening our skills. I want to be seen more as a playmaker, so I have to improve my balance and my ability to deliver an attacking kick from either foot. There’s obviously a lot of speed and evasion work. Ultimately I want to gain an edge that will put me in the picture when the Boks select their team.’ That try scored by Jaque Fourie in the corner in the second Test was one of the greatest of all time. I watched that as a rugby-mad 15-year-old and dreamed about emulating those feats. A few years later, I got the chance to rub shoulders with my heroes, to learn from them and to play alongside them at a World Cup. I’ve come a long way since making my debut in 2015, though. I’m a more complete player – although I don’t see myself as the finished article. I’m always pushing myself to go further.’ I’d always known I had an ancestor who played for England, but I didn’t know that he also played for the Lions, We found out when our family in England put in a request for his Lions cap. I’d be lying if I said this news hasn’t got me even more excited for the coming series.’ When I look back at the past two or three years, what strikes me is our preparation and performance as a collective,’ The alignment camps were instrumental because we all knew what was expected from us as players and what Rassie and his team wanted from us. The work ethic in the group and the desperation to improve is what made the environment so competitive and enjoyable. That Lions series in particular is at the back of every player’s mind – we all want to be part of it, I want to be part of the Springbok set-up for as long as I play rugby. There’s little that tops playing for the Boks, and to face the Lions would be a dream come true Kriel: I’ve never felt better,March 2021,SA RUGBY MAG by the Reporter As an Eagles player, I’m aiming for the league championship. I’m confident that we’re building a team that can win in the end, and everyone has that mindset, I won’t leave Japan until I win the championship with the Eagles It was a really tough season. At the start of the season, our goal was to finish in the top six in the league and advance to the playoff tournament, but we didn’t achieve that. Nevertheless, we learned a great deal, and I think we had a good finish to the season I love the Japanese style of rugby, with its high skill level and fast tempo. Japanese players, especially the veterans, play very intelligently and have a deep understanding of rugby I want to continue learning from them and expand my knowledge of rugby. It was a truly special time. Faf and I were teammates and friends at the Springboks before he came to Japan, but our time together at the Eagles made us best friends l think he had a huge impact not only on the Eagles but on Japanese rugby as a whole. Everyone loves Faf’s playing style. He’s leaving a tremendous impact when he returns to South Africa, and everyone else are proud of that. Still, it’s really sad. The Eagles were a special place for him too, so I hope he’ll come visit the Eagles again someday. Springboks star Jesse Kriel’s breaks silence on future: ‘I won’t leave until…’, June 2026, Planet Rugby by Jared Wright External links Category:Rugby union players from South Africa Category:Living people Category:1994 births