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Springboks centre Jesse Kriel makes it clear: he won't leave Japan until he leads the Yokohama Canon Eagles to a championship. This commitment comes amid fierce competition for his signature from clubs in PREM Rugby and Top 14.
Kriel, a double Rugby World Cup winner, has been with the Eagles since 2020 and took on the captaincy role last year, becoming the club's first foreign-born skipper. Despite a challenging season where the team won just six out of 18 matches, finishing 10th, Kriel remains determined to achieve success.
“I won’t leave Japan until I win the championship with the Eagles,” Kriel states firmly. His goal is not just personal; he believes the team is building towards greatness. “We learned a great deal this season, and I’m confident we can win in the end,” he adds.
Kriel highlights a strong finish to the season with three wins in their last four games, showcasing the potential of the squad. His admiration for the Japanese rugby style, marked by high skill and fast tempo, reinforces his desire to stay. At 32, Kriel still has much to offer, and he’s ready to tackle the challenges ahead in the next season.
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