Latest news with #JesseKriel
The South African
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Forget Xhosa, Jesse Kriel shows off impressive Japanese!
Jesse Kriel is known for being a perfectionist when it comes to many aspects of his life; fitness, his figure, and his performance on the pitch. Which is why a clip of him mastering the language of Japanese comes as no surprise to anyone. The Springbok star plays for the Canon Eagles in Yokohama, Japan. In a clip posted on TikTok, Jesse Kriel and fellow Springbok Faf de Klerk were interviewed by a Japanese rugby commentator. Like Jesse, Faf lives and plays in the country for the Canon Eagles. But while Faf appeared to botch the language, Jesse spoke it fluently! In fact, the centreback conversed at length with his Japanese pal. Take a look… @lekkeryudo I'll definitely come back to South Africa!!! Wag asseblief 😉 #southafrica #suidafrica #afrikaans #jessekriel #japanese #neh #letslearnjapanese #faf #springboks #rugby ♬ original sound – lekkeryudo🇯🇵 Last year, Jesse Kriel won the hearts of many South Africans after a clip of him speaking Xhosa went viral. In a clip posted on social media by SuperSport, Jess was interviewed by Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick on their team's 2024 season. Speaking Xhosa, Mzwandile asked Jesse how he felt about winning 11 out of 13 games. The athletic player – known for his chiselled physique – responded: 'Ndicel' i13 out of 13 [I wanted 13 out of 13].' He added in English: 'We dropped the ball, and we're very disappointed. It's small margins. Next season, we want to push to go even better'. He added, thanking Mzwandile for his hard work, 'Ngiyabonga Mqeqeshi [thank you, boss].' Jesse Kriel – who was born in Cape Town and lived in KwaZulu-Natal – is fluent in English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Former Springboks wing Cornal Hendricks dies aged 37
Former Springboks wing Cornal Hendricks has died at the age of 37 after reportedly suffering a heart attack. Hendricks was capped 12 times by South Africa in 2014 and 2015, and also represented the nation in sevens at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. His career was halted by a heart condition in 2016, scuppering a move to Top 14 club Toulon, but the back returned to action after receiving a second medical opinion. He played at the elite level for five more seasons with the Bulls, winning two Currie Cups in South Africa, before returning to Boland last year to attempt to qualify his local side for the competition. 'The Vodacom Bulls are deeply saddened by the passing of Cornal Hendricks, aged 37,' his former club said in a statement. 'A 12-time capped Springbok and key player for the Vodacom Bulls from 2018 to 2023, Cornal was known for his passion, energy, and infectious smile both on and off the field. 'CEO Edgar Rathbone called him a cherished teammate and inspirational figure, while rugby director Jake White praised his resilience and influence, especially after overcoming an early career setback. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.' Springboks star Jesse Kriel, a former club and country teammate, also paid tribute on social media: 'You will be missed my brother! Fly high.'
The South African
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
The MOST inspirational Springboks comeback story!
The Springboks had many heroes on the field against France in the 2023 RWC quarter-final, but one man in particular had the match of his life. The world champions' 29-28 win over France on Sunday was one of the great rugby matches in modern history, or the whole of history for that matter. Antoine Dupont, the French skipper who fractured his cheek earlier in the tournament, produced a scintillating individual display, but it wasn't enough to steer the hosts into the semifinals. A host of Springboks produced stirring displays of their own, not least of which was the battered and bloodied Jesse Kriel. For a long time, Jesse Kriel was criticised for his performances in a Springbok jersey. It's difficult to be the understudy to a player of Lukhanyo Am's calibre, but Am's injury opened the door for Kriel, and the Canon Eagles centre took his opportunity. He was one of the unsung heroes for Jacques Nienaber's team in 2023, and that display against France was likely the best of his career. Jesse Kriel. Image via Instagram @jessekriel15 Are you a Jesse Kriel fan? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
