As a part of the Goldrush gaming group, Gbets is immensely proud of Goldrush Ambassador Jesse Kriel, who has enjoyed a rugby career that most other players could only dream of. The Springbok centre has experienced far more highs than lows in his illustrious career, with honours being achieved at all levels of the game: Junior level, provincial level and international level.
Any modern professional rugby player would love to have two Rugby World Cup winners medals to their name, but this huge achievement is only part of Jesse’s celebrated story, which includes accolades, moments and honours that have defined an incredible rugby journey.
Check out below some of the greatest highlights from Jesse Kriel’s career:
2014 IRB Junior World Championship Final
After being included in the South Africa Under-20 squad for the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship, where the Junior Boks achieved 3rd place, Jesse was named as one of two vice-captains for the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship. Much like the 2013 tournament, Jesse excelled in the 2014 tournament, playing a pivotal role in helping the Junior Boks qualify for the final against England. Even though the South Africans lost the final 21-20. Jesse announced himself to the rugby world by scoring 2 tries, with his 2nd try revealing his talents as he sidestepped an English defender en route to an impressive try.
Breakthrough Season: 2015 Super Rugby
Jesse announced himself to the professional rugby world with his outstanding performance for the Bulls in the 2015 Super Rugby tournament. While the Bulls finished in 9th place and failed to qualify for the playoffs, Jesse demonstrated his star potential with an assured and dynamic performance throughout the tournament at fullback. This good form resulted in Springbok coach Heynecke Meyer selecting the 21-year-old in his Rugby Championship squad.
2015 Rugby Championship
Jesse took to international rugby like a duck takes to water, announcing himself on the big stage with an outstanding individual effort in his debut match against Australia in Brisbane in the 2015 Rugby Championship. Jesse impressed again in the match against New Zealand at Ellis Park, scoring another scintillating try. With these exploits, he quickly became a permanent fixture in the Springbok’s starting 15.
2018 Rugby Championship
After a poor run of form in 2016 and 2017, the Boks showed signs of revival with a shock 36-34 win over New Zealand in Wellington. Much was expected of the Bokke in their return clash against the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld, but the team struggled to break the New Zealand defence in the 1st half, with the scores tied 6-6. Jesse stepped up to the mark in the 2nd half, scoring one of his trademark tries to break the deadlock.
2023 Rugby World Cup
Jesse was a critical cog in the Springboks' 2023 World Cup-winning side, proving to be a defensive rock alongside his long-time centre partner Damian de Allende and providing flair and reassurance on attack. Jesse’s contributions were particularly notable in the nail-biting 1 point win over France, as he set up Cheslin Kolbe a for a try with a clever grubber and also played an important role in helping the Boks break up field in the 2nd half, which resulted in an Eben Etzebeth try that helped the team into a 26-25 lead.
Test Captaincy debut
Jesse reached a notable milestone in his Springbok career when he was named as the Springbok test captain for the team’s first test against Italy at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria on 5 July, 2025, in his 82nd test match. Jesse had a nearly perfect start to his captaincy, scoring the opening try in the 11th minute and leading the team to a 42-24 win in the absence of regular captain Siya Kolisi.
Get Your Game On
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