Jesse Kriel’s twin brother on track for USA switch
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The twin brother of a Springbok Rugby World Cup winner is among several South Africans included in the USA Eagles squad for October.
Dan, the twin brother of Jesse Kriel, has been named in the USA Eagles’ extended 35-player squad for two non-cap fixtures against an Australia XV.
The former Junior Springbok’s inclusion moves him a step closer to a potential international career switch.
A product of Maritzburg College, Kriel progressed into the professional ranks in South Africa, turning out for the Bulls, Stormers and Lions before moving overseas. In 2022, he joined Major League Rugby side Seattle Seawolves, where he has since established himself as a regular starter.
The 32-year-old will only be eligible to represent the Eagles in 2027 after completing his five-year residency period in the USA, in accordance with World Rugby Regulation 8.1.
He is not the only South African-born player included in the wider USA training group. Pretoria native Wayne van der Bank and former Junior Springbok flyhalf David Coetzer have also earned places in the 35-man squad.
Van der Bank enjoyed a standout 2024 season, earning Major League Rugby’s Player of the Year award, while Coetzer played a key role in Houston’s run to the 2025 MLR Championship Final.
Both players are also set to meet their five-year residency requirements next year.
The two-match series against an Australia XV serves as a building block, bridging the development period following the Eagles’ recent Pacific Nations Cup campaign in Japan with valuable game-time exposure as they refine their squad for the upcoming European tour and, ultimately, next year’s Rugby World Cup.
The fixtures will also allow players in the developing stages of their Eagles careers to gain valuable game time in a USA XV line-up.
Speaking about the upcoming series, head coach Scott Lawrence said:
“The USA XV provides an important opportunity to expand our player pool, reintegrate players returning from injury, and continue developing emerging talent with the potential to contribute to the Eagles in 2027 and beyond.
“It also gives domestic players a valuable platform to demonstrate their readiness to compete for opportunities within our wider national team program, including the November Nations Cup series.”
USA 35-player squad:
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