Here is what you need to know about Jesse Kriel, one of of the South Africa’s Rugby stars!
| Name | Jesse Andrie Kriel |
| Date of birth | 15 February 1994 |
| Place of birth | Cape Town, south Africa |
| Gender | Male |
| Weight | 95 kg |
| Height | 186 cm |
| Nationality | South African |
| Profession | Rugby Player |
| Position | Center, wing or full back |
| Education | Maritzburg College, University of Pretoria |
| Marital status | Dating |
| Social media | Instagram, Facebook |
BRIEF BACKGROUND.
Jesse Kriel is the son of Angela Linda Diana Hodgson, born on the 15th of February in 1994, in Cape Town, South Africa. He grew up alongside two siblings, Dan Kriel his twin brother and Matthew Kriel. Dan is also a professional rugby player. Kriel’s maternal grandfather, John Hodgson, was a prominent rugby player who represented England and won seven caps. Additionally, he made 15 appearances for the British & Irish Lions in the 1930s and was Lion No. 265.
In 2020, Kriel’s family received Hodgson’s Lions cap and is likely the only one left. Kriel said: “I’d always heard from my gran, who was married to his son, that he was a big guy and a really hard man from the stories that I heard – playing in the forwards as a big strong guy.” The rugby superstar is in a relationship with Hope-Natalie Anne Mortimer, a South African national born on October 31st, 1994. The couple started dating in 2018. In June 2020, during their two-year anniversary, Kriel described the two years as the best of his life through an Instagram post.
CAREER.
Kriel played for the Sharks in 2012, and was given a spot in the Under-18 Craven Week tournament squad, which included him in the South African Schools Side in 2012. He joined the Bulls in 2013 and got a chance to join the Under-20 team for the IRB Junior World Championship, replacing Sergeal Petersen, who had suffered an injury. Jesse was a sub in the matches against England, France, and the United States and made his first start of the competition in a game against New Zealand.
Jesse continued to play for the Bulls, scored 42 points for the team and helped them win the under-19 Provincial Championship Competition in 2013. He also appeared thrice for the Under-21 side. He played for South Africa’s Under-20 side at the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship and was one of the two vice-captains for the tournament. His career continued with the Bulls until 2019. Jesse Kriel made his first class debut in march 2014 against the Griquas in Pretoria, scoring his first senior try in their match against the Pumas.
Rugby world Cup.
He joined the Springboks in 2015. He was named in the squad for their opening Rugby Championship match against Australia, becoming Springbok number 867. He was part of the World Cup crew that won the trophy in 2019 and 2023. In the same year, he joined the Japanese club NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricane until 2016. Jesse’s current team is the Japanese franchise Canon Eagles, which he joined in 2020. In 2021, the 30-year-old was named in South Africa’s 46-man squad for the British and Irish Lions Tour.
RECENT NEWS.
Jesse Kriel has recently scored a sensational solo try in Japan Rugby League One for the Yokohama Canon Eagles against Saitama Wild Knights. Although the game ended in a 43-14 defeat for Kriel’s team, it might be remembered for the South Africa international’s epic 80-metre score.
Kriel is a fitness fanatic too.
