Jesse Kriel’s New Digital Series Takes Fans Inside His Life in Japan

South African rugby fans are getting a rare, up-close look at life in Japan through the eyes of one of the country’s favourite athletes. Jesse Kriel has teamed up with ESPN Africa for a brand new digital series titled Jesse in Japan, offering a relaxed and intimate look at his world far beyond match days.

The monthly short-form series premiered this week and will unfold across ESPN Africa’s digital platforms throughout the year.

A Springbok Star Building A Life Abroad

Kriel has been part of the Yokohama Canon Eagles setup since 2020, becoming one of the most recognisable South African faces in the Japan Rugby League One. In late 2025, he made history as the team’s first foreign captain, highlighting his growing influence both on the field and in Japanese rugby culture.

While South Africans know him best for his standout performances for the Springboks, Jesse in Japan zooms in on the quieter, more personal parts of his life.

Life Beyond The Try Line

The series promises an easygoing and authentic look at Kriel’s everyday routines. Fans can expect scenes of training, recovery sessions, favourite local food spots, neighbourhood errands and the peaceful downtime that shapes his life away from stadium noise.

There will also be fun contrasts between life in Mzansi and Japan, giving South Africans a cultural bridge into a country that many local sports lovers admire from afar.

Kriel himself says the show is an invitation to celebrate everything he has grown to love in his adopted home, from food and people to the fast-paced energy of Japan Rugby League One.

A Rising African Presence In Japan Rugby

Kriel is part of a growing wave of South African stars carving out space in Japan’s top league. Fans tuning into ESPN will recognise familiar names such as Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Kwagga Smith, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph du Toit, all competing in the same championship.

With the league running until June, the series will track Kriel’s journey as the season builds toward its big finale.

Why This Series Matters For SA Fans

South Africans have embraced Japanese rugby ever since the Springboks’ World Cup heroics. The new series arrives at a time when many local supporters are increasingly curious about what day-to-day life looks like for their favourite SA players abroad.

For Joburg, Cape Town and Durban rugby communities, Jesse in Japan offers something fresh: not just highlights, but humanity.

Where To Watch

Fans can follow the series across ESPN Africa’s digital platforms. Live Japan Rugby League One matches air on:

• ESPN: DStv 218, StarSat 248, Disney+

• ESPN2: DStv 219, StarSat 249, Disney+

Two live broadcasts air weekly, with rebroadcasts throughout the season.

Welcome to #JesseInJapan ✈️

This isn’t just rugby. This is Jesse off the field, far from the African continent, in new culture, enjoying a new chapter.

Different stories but always same heart rugby fans love. ❤️ Get to know Jesse like you’ve never seen him before. Episode 1… pic.twitter.com/dNpJ9IFODI

ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) February 19, 2026

{Source:ESPN}

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