Jesse Kriel named as Yokohama’s first non-Japanese captain
- Mark Pickering
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Springboks ace Jesse Kriel has spoken of his pride after being named as Yokohama Canon Eagles’ first non-Japanese captain.
The 31-year-old, who joined the club in 2020 and has made 56 League One appearances, takes over the role from former Japan international and his midfield partner Yusuke Kajimura.
Double World Cup winner Kriel scored nine tries in 16 appearances last season as Yokohama underperformed, missing the play-offs with an eighth-place finish.
Head coach Keisuke Sawaki was axed in the summer and replaced by former All Blacks assistant coach Leon MacDonald who had stints with Yamaha Jubilo (now Shizuoka Blue Revs) and Kintetsu Liners as a player.
Kriel, who captained the Springboks against the All Blacks in September, said it’s an honour to be appointed as club captain going into his seventh season in Yokohama.
“It’s a huge honour to lead the Yokohama Canon Eagles,” said Kriel who spent a season with Red Hurricanes Osaka in 2016.
“This club has become a special part of my journey, and I’m incredibly proud to lead such a talented and hard-working group of players. There are many strong leaders in the group that will form part and help steer the team in a winning direction.
“To our supporters, thank you for your passion and energy every single week. You’re a massive part of what makes this team so special. We feel your support in every moment, and it drives us to give our all on the field.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead this season, and I’ll do everything I can to lead with pride, commitment, and heart. Let’s make it a year to remember.”
Flanker Masato Furukawa will serve as vice-captain while Kajimura, ex-Māori All Blacks captain Billy Harmon - who was named in the League One Team of the Year last season - and Japan international Amanaki Saumaki will all be part of the team’s leadership group.
Yokohama will play Saitama Wild Knights, Black Rams Tokyo and Urayasu D-Rocks this month in pre-games games which could mark the return of Springboks star Faf de Klerk who was left out of his county’s end-of-year squad.
MacDonald’s side, who have added Italian lock Dino Lamb and Crusaders centre Levi Aumua among a host of new faces, will open their League One season against Kwagga Smith’s Shizuoka at Nissan Stadium in Kanagawa on Sunday 14 December.