Yokohama Canon Eagles star Jesse Kriel believes that he can play at the 2027 and 2031 World Cups by continuing to ply his trade in League One.
South Africa’s double World Cup winner, 30, and his long-time midfield partner, Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights’ Damian de Allende, 32, became the most-capped centre pairing in Springboks history in Saturday’s last-gasp loss to Ireland.
The heated second Test between back-to-back champions South Africa and former number one-ranked Ireland marked the 30th Test outing for the duo who first linked up for their country in 2015.
“I would like to play for another eight years, or as long as I can,” Kriel told Afrikaans-language weekly newspaper Rapport (translated by SA Rugby magazine).
Kriel made 10 appearances for Yokohama this season and scored two tries as they suffered back-to-back defeats to Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in the semi-final and Suntory Sungoliath in the third-place play-off.
The Cape Town native said he stays in close contact with South Africa’s Head of Athletic Performance Andy Edwards while playing in League One.
“I talk to Andy almost every day, even when I’m in Japan,” said the former Red Hurricanes Osaka centre.
“He always looks at our GPS numbers and sends me exercise programs. It’s nice to have such a good relationship with the Bok coaching staff.”
The fan favourite said that while Japanese club rugby is not as gruelling as Test rugby, it challenges him in different ways with an emphasis on his conditioning.
“Japanese club rugby is not as physical as Test rugby, but the league is very competitive. You have plenty of time to work on your game. The ball is in play for long periods, which helps on offence and defence.”
Despite winning the game’s greatest prize in consecutive tournaments, Kriel remains hungry for more success.
“The next cycle of four years drives me to get up in the mornings.”
The 2027 World Cup will take place in Australia while the 2031 edition will be held in the United States.
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