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IOL News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
‘Playing in Japan makes us better players' —Jesse Kriel defends overseas-based Springboks
SPRINGBOK centre Jesse Kriel Japan, says he has become a better player because of the cross-pollination of rugby acumen. | Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Bulls coach Jake White, for some time, has been advocating that the Springbok players based overseas should be brought home to strengthen the local teams, but Bok centre Jesse Kriel disagrees. Kriel, who is based in Japan, says he has become a better player because of the cross-pollination of rugby acumen that occurs when players from all over the world are pooled together, as is the case in the Japanese teams. Joining Kriel in the current Bok squad preparing for the Barbarians season-opener on June 28 are fellow Japan-based players in Lood de Jager, Faf de Klerk, Damian de Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe and Malcolm Marx. That is a hefty chunk of polished Springboks. Kriel pointed to White himself as a good example of how overseas experience can benefit a coach (or player). 'If you look at a coach like Jake, he's also coached in Japan for a few years. He coached over in France (with Montpellier) and also in Australia (Brumbies), which has probably made him a better coach. 'He probably gained a lot of IP (intellectual property) overseas from different types of players and the different ways people think, and how they want to play and approach the game,' Kriel explained. 'From my point of view, and I know a lot of the other guys share my thought process, when you go over there, you are playing with Fijians, Tongans, New Zealanders, Australians, Welsh guys, and English guys. You learn different things from everyone, and I think it's also good to observe how the game is seen differently.' It is also documented that players can prolong their careers by playing in Japan, where the leagues are less physically arduous. 'I've certainly enjoyed being over in Japan,' Kriel added. 'There are a lot fewer distractions compared to being back in South Africa. "So it's been great in terms of working on our individual games, and I think the guys that return from overseas always come back into camp pretty focused and willing to work hard. I think it's been great.' Rassie Erasmus, sitting next to Kriel in the press conference, wanted to add to Kriel's response. 'To put into perspective the debate about picking overseas players… If you look at the players that we've selected for the Springboks, I think you will find it very seldom that an overseas-based player is younger than 26 or 27. We seldom pick a young player based abroad,' the coach explained. 'I think Jasper Wiese must have been one of the youngest players that we've picked from overseas, and he was 25. 'We recently called up Juano Augustus (from Northampton), and he is 27,' Erasmus continued. 'He had been the World Rugby Junior Player of the year in 2017, and he went overseas soon after. But we did not pick him until now (after five years overseas). 'So we don't encourage a young player to go overseas, and if they do go, they know it will be difficult for us to pick them. There are very few young players that get picked from there.'
The 42
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Former Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks dies at 37
FORMER SPRINGBOK WINGER Cornal Hendricks has died at the age of 37. South Africa Rugby confirmed Hendricks died as a result of a heart attack. Hendricks made his Test debut in 2014 and was capped 12 times for the Springboks, scoring five tries. In 2016, Hendricks signed a two-year deal with the Stormers but failed to make any appearances after being diagnosed with a heart condition. The following season a move to Toulon fell through for the same reason and at the age of 27, Hendricks announced his retirement. Advertisement The Vodacom Bulls are deeply saddened by the passing of Cornal Hendricks, aged 37. 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… — Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) May 15, 2025 However he made a remarkable return in 2019 and joined the Bulls, going on to represent the Pretoria side 73 times before leaving the club last year. Bulls director of rugby Jake White said: 'Many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short in 2015. 'When we had the opportunity to get him back on the park, he took that with open arms and made a remarkable use of his second lease in professional rugby. We all witnessed him leave no stone unturned as he inspired his teammates and the South African community through his story of hope and courage. 'It was a privilege and honour to have been his coach, a fantastic role model for the next generation and his appetite for life was infectious. Rugby has lost one of the good ones today.' Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby said: 'We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Cornal Hendricks, a remarkable athlete who represented his country in sevens and 15-man rugby with distinction. 'Cornal was one of those players who loved the game and he worked extremely hard, but he always did so with a smile on his face, treating all people with respect. His energy and love of life, on and off the field, lifted his teammates and those around him. 'His contributions to the sport and his unwavering dedication will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Stephaney and their children, his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations.' Hendricks also played for Boland, the Cheetahs, and represented South Africa at Sevens level across the first chapter of his playing career.
