Jesse Kriel is stepping into a new arena — and this time, it’s not just about the scoreboard. ESPN Africa has officially launched the premiere episode of Jesse in Japan, an all-new original short-form digital series that offers fans a relaxed, intimate look into the life of the Springbok star as he continues to build his legacy in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Streaming across ESPN Africa’s social and digital platforms, the series will drop a new episode each month throughout the year — giving viewers a front-row seat to a chapter of Kriel’s journey that many have never seen before.
A Historic Chapter in Japan
Since joining the Yokohama Canon Eagles in 2020, Kriel has steadily grown into a central figure at the club. In November 2025, he etched his name into history by becoming the team’s first-ever foreign captain — a milestone that speaks volumes about his leadership and influence beyond South Africa.
But Jesse in Japan shifts the focus away from match-day intensity.
Instead, the cameras follow the quieter rhythms of daily life — early morning training sessions, recovery routines, gym discipline, neighbourhood errands, favourite local restaurants and the subtle cultural contrasts between Mzansi and Japan. It’s raw, grounded and refreshingly human.
This isn’t just rugby content. It’s storytelling.
Growth Beyond Borders
Kriel’s profile has expanded significantly in recent years. From captaining the South Africa national rugby union team to excelling in Japan’s elite competition, his evolution reflects both high performance and personal growth.
The series captures that balance — elite sport on one side, cultural curiosity and adaptation on the other. It shows how a world-class athlete finds comfort in new surroundings while maintaining the hunger that made him one of South Africa’s most respected rugby professionals.
Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa, emphasised the importance of the project:
“ESPN remains committed to offering viewers cross the continent an unparalleled offering of the very best of US and international sporting leagues. We are delighted to be working with Jesse Kriel to bring Jesse in Japan to viewers, offering complementary programming that gives an insight into the life and career of not only this sporting legend but also the thrilling Japan Rugby League One as he, together with his teammates, create historic sporting moments.”
Kriel himself echoed the excitement:
“I am excited to be collaborating with ESPN to offer rugby fans and viewers the opportunity to be a part of my exciting journey in Japan. The series is an invitation to celebrate the food, culture, people and of course rugby action that I have am lucky enough to be a part of in the Japan Rugby League One and beyond.”
Japan Rugby League One — Exclusive to ESPN Africa
The prestigious Japan Rugby League One continues to attract some of South Africa’s finest exports, including Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Kwagga Smith, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph du Toit.
As the season builds toward its finals in June, ESPN remains the exclusive home for the action across Africa. Viewers can catch live games on ESPN (DStv 218, StarSat 248), ESPN2 (DStv 219, StarSat 249), and on Disney+ in South Africa, with two live matches every week and repeat broadcasts ensuring no moment is missed.
With Jesse in Japan, ESPN Africa is not just broadcasting rugby — it’s documenting legacy, leadership and life far beyond the try line.
