Jesse André Kriel, known as Jesse Kriel, born on February 15, 1994, is a South African professional rugby union player who plays for the South African national team and Canon Eagles in the Japanese Top League.
His regular position is as a utility back, but he can also play center, wing, or fullback. Kriel was part of the national team that won the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Kriel was named in the South Africa Springboks squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
You can find Jesse Kriel’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, and more here.
About Jesse Kriel
Jesse Kriel was born on February 15, 1994, in Cape Town, South Africa. He has a twin brother, Dan Kriel, a professional rugby player.
Jesse Kriel attended Maritzburg College, a boys’ high school in Pietermaritzburg.
He is known for his high work ethic and is a fitness fanatic, even by modern rugby standards.
Club Career
Jesse Kriel started his club career with the Blue Bulls after finishing school. He represented the province in the Vodacom Cup before receiving a call-up to the South African U20s for the IRB Junior World Championship in 2013.
After a successful season at full-back for the Bulls in Super Rugby 2015, Kriel earned a call-up into the Springbok RWC training squad.
He played 70 Super Rugby games for the Bulls. Currently, he plays for the Canon Eagles in the Japanese Top League.
Springboks Career
Jesse Kriel debuted for the South Africa national team in July 2015, starting against Australia in Brisbane.
He scored his first test try in the 44th minute of the match. Kriel was included in the Springboks RWC Squad later that year.
He was a formidable presence in the Springbok squad and was named in the Springboks Rugby World Cup squad for the second time.
His versatility has been key for the Springboks with his ability to slot into inside center when needed, while he has started on the wing for the national side.
Jesse Kriel’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Jesse Kriel’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million to $3 million. The Springboks utility back’s prime source of earnings is his South Africa rugby union salary, club salaries, and sponsorship deals.
Salary and Career Earnings
Jesse Kriel plays for the Canon Eagles in the Japanese Top League. The Japanese Top League is known for offering lucrative contracts to international players.
He reportedly earns over £600,000 per year.
However, it’s important to note that salaries can vary significantly based on the player’s experience, skills, and market demand.
His professional rugby salary, bonuses, and endorsements likely accumulate this net worth.
Endorsements
One of Kriel’s notable brand endorsements is with Samsonite, an American luggage brand. As a brand ambassador for Samsonite.
In addition to Samsonite, Jesse Kriel has also been associated with Dell Technologies.
Personal Details
| Full name | Jesse André Kriel |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 15 February 1994 |
| Place of birth | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 95 kg (209 lb; 14 st 13 lb) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Current Net Worth | $1 million – $3 million |
| Relationship Status | In a Relationship |
| Girlfriend | Hope Mortimer |
| Instagram Profile | jessekriel15 |
Girlfriend
Springboks player Jesse Kriel’s gorgeous girlfriend is Hope Mortimer. She was born on October 31, 1994, in Hibberdene, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and was raised on a family farm in Hibberdene.
Jesse and Hope began dating in June 2018 and have been together ever since.
Career Stats
| Tournament | Matches | Starter | Tries | Drops | Pen. | Conv. | Points | YC | RC | Min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Nations Cup 2022/2023 | 3 | 100% 3/3 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 235′ |
| Tests Matchs 2021/2022 | 1 | 100% 1/1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 80′ |
| Tests Matchs 2017/2018 | 6 | 83% 5/6 | 3 | 15 | 421′ | – | 45 | 1 | – | – |
FAQs
Who is Jesse Kriel?
Jesse Kriel is a South African professional rugby player born in Cape Town on February 15, 1994. He plays as a utility back, mainly as a center, wing, or fullback, for the South African national team (Springboks) and the Canon Eagles in Japan.
What are Jesse Kriel’s biggest achievements?
Kriel has won two Rugby World Cups with South Africa in 2019 and 2023. He was also part of the South African U20 team that won the Junior World Championship in 2012 and has won several awards, including the Bulls’ Player of the Year in 2015.
What teams has Jesse Kriel played for?
Throughout his career, Kriel has played for the Blue Bulls, Bulls, Barbarians, South Africa U20s, Canon Eagles (formerly Yokohama Canon Eagles), and the South African national team.
Does Jesse Kriel have any siblings in rugby?
Yes, Jesse has a twin brother named Dan Kriel, a professional rugby player. Dan has played for teams like the Bulls, Stormers, and Lions.
What’s special about Jesse Kriel’s family history in rugby?
Jesse and Dan are the great-grandsons of John Hodgson, who played 15 games for the British and Irish Lions in the 1930s. The Kriel family owns one of Hodgson’s Lions caps.
What positions does Jesse Kriel play?
Kriel is versatile and can play center, wing, or fullback. However, the Springboks primarily use him as an outside center.
How many caps does Jesse Kriel have for South Africa?
As of the latest information, Jesse Kriel has earned 62 caps for the South African national team.
Is Jesse Kriel married?
Jesse Kriel isn’t married, but he’s been in a long-term relationship with Hope-Natalie Anne Mortimer since 2018.
What are some of Jesse Kriel’s physical attributes?
Kriel is 1.86 meters (6 feet 1 inch) tall and weighs 95-97 kg (209-214 lbs). He’s known for his speed, agility, and fitness.
What’s Jesse Kriel’s approach to team culture in the Springboks?
Kriel emphasizes the importance of putting the team first and supporting teammates, even when competing for the same position. He believes this culture of selflessness and unity has been crucial to the Springboks’ recent success.
