A Japanese club has appointed a foreign player as their captain for the first time.
Springbok centre Jesse Kriel will lead the Yokohama Canon Eagles into the new Japan Rugby League One season – his seventh campaign with the side since joining from the Bulls in 2020.
The 31-year-old adds another milestone to his decorated career, having earlier this year become the 67th player to captain the Springboks, when he led them against Italy at Loftus Versfeld.
“It’s a huge honour to lead the Yokohama Canon Eagles,” said Kriel. “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 help steer the team in a winning direction.”
The Eagles, coached by Keisuke Sawaki, finished in the top half of the table last season.
2025-26シーズンのキャプテンおよびリーダー陣決定しましたので、お知らせします！
キャプテン
ジェシー・クリエル
古川聖人
梶村祐介、ビリー・ハーモン、サウマキアマナキコメントはこちら
https://t.co/pDsJIQ965E#横浜キヤノンイーグルス pic.twitter.com/qCstdzwyyM
— 横浜キヤノンイーグルス (@Canon_Eagles) November 5, 2025
Photo: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
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