While some South African rugby stars are packing up and heading home, Jesse Kriel, the dynamic center for the Yokohama Canon Eagles, is buckling down in Japan with eyes firmly set on the prize. Despite a roster brimming with talent, the Eagles’ recent season didn't soar as high as expected, landing a disappointing 10th place finish. Yet, Kriel, undeterred, is committed to steering his team to the apex of League One before he even considers a return.
Faf de Klerk and Cheslin Kolbe, two of Kriel's compatriots, have already made their moves back to South Africa, joining the Cheetahs and the Stormers respectively. Rumors swirl around Damian de Allende possibly making a similar return. Meanwhile, Kriel, who took on the mantle of the Eagles' captain this season, remains resolute in his mission in Japan.
This season, Kriel not only led his team in avoiding relegation but also personally excelled on the field, scoring eight tries in 13 appearances and helping secure three victories in their last four matches. His leadership has not only been about personal accolades but about fostering a championship-winning mentality.
"As a member of the Eagles, I’m aiming for the League One title,"
Kriel expressed on the club’s website.
"I’m confident that we’re building a team that can win in the end, and everyone has that mindset."
The double World Cup winner’s tenure as the first foreign-born captain in the club’s history has been a transformative experience for him. "It was a new experience, different from anything I’d had before," Kriel reflected. "I feel that I have grown as a leader and gained confidence. At the same time, I believe I still have a lot of room to grow as a captain."
With the international season looming, Kriel will soon don the Springbok green and gold. However, his commitment to his club remains steadfast as he plans to return to Japan with a singular focus: “I decided to continue playing for the Eagles and declared that I would win the championship with this team," he affirmed. "No matter what happens, I want to achieve that goal."
As the rugby world watches, Kriel’s quest for glory in Japan continues to unfold, marking a saga of resilience and relentless pursuit of success.
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While some South African rugby stars are packing up and heading home, Jesse Kriel, the dynamic center for the Yokohama Canon Eagles, is buckling down in Japan with eyes firmly set on the prize. Despite a roster brimming with talent, the Eagles’ recent season didn't soar as high as expected, landing a disappointing 10th place finish. Yet, Kriel, undeterred, is committed to steering his team to the apex of League One before he even considers a return.
Faf de Klerk and Cheslin Kolbe, two of Kriel's compatriots, have already made their moves back to South Africa, joining the Cheetahs and the Stormers respectively. Rumors swirl around Damian de Allende possibly making a similar return. Meanwhile, Kriel, who took on the mantle of the Eagles' captain this season, remains resolute in his mission in Japan.
This season, Kriel not only led his team in avoiding relegation but also personally excelled on the field, scoring eight tries in 13 appearances and helping secure three victories in their last four matches. His leadership has not only been about personal accolades but about fostering a championship-winning mentality.
"As a member of the Eagles, I’m aiming for the League One title,"
Kriel expressed on the club’s website."I’m confident that we’re building a team that can win in the end, and everyone has that mindset."
The double World Cup winner’s tenure as the first foreign-born captain in the club’s history has been a transformative experience for him. "It was a new experience, different from anything I’d had before," Kriel reflected. "I feel that I have grown as a leader and gained confidence. At the same time, I believe I still have a lot of room to grow as a captain."
With the international season looming, Kriel will soon don the Springbok green and gold. However, his commitment to his club remains steadfast as he plans to return to Japan with a singular focus: “I decided to continue playing for the Eagles and declared that I would win the championship with this team," he affirmed. "No matter what happens, I want to achieve that goal."
As the rugby world watches, Kriel’s quest for glory in Japan continues to unfold, marking a saga of resilience and relentless pursuit of success.