Springboks Lose Two South African Rugby Stars to USA, Including a World Cup Winner’s Sibling
- Two South African rugby stars have opted to switch allegiance to the United States of America as the 2027 World Cup approaches
- The Springboks will make do without the two players for the 2026 season, with one of them being the brother of a two-time World Cup winner
- The United States of America released their training squad for the 2026 season, which included two South Africans, while one was also missing
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup drawing closer, attention is beginning to turn to which South African-born players may eventually represent other nations. One such case has emerged in the United States, where the brother of a prominent Springbok has now been included in their setup.
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Dan Kriel, who is the twin brother of Springbok centre Jesse Kriel, is among several uncapped players selected for the USA Eagles’ first training camp of the year.
Jesse is a prominent member of the Springboks team. He was part of the team that won the Rugby Championship in 2025, and also captained the team in the absence of Siya Kolisi.
A product of Maritzburg College in KwaZulu-Natal, Dan progressed into the professional ranks in South Africa, turning out for the Bulls, Stormers and Lions before making the move overseas. In 2022, he joined Major League Rugby side Seattle Seawolves, where he has since established himself as a regular starter.
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Kriel opts to play for the USA
Now 31, the midfield back is on track to become eligible for the United States in 2027, and his selection for the early-season camp strongly suggests long-term planning with the 2027 World Cup in mind.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the Kriel family story, the youngest brother, Matt Kriel, has recently taken up the role of head of recruitment at the privately run Mzansi Rugby League.
Dan is no stranger to international structures, having represented the Junior Springboks back in 2014. He is also not the only South African-born player included in the wider USA training group. Pretoria native Wayne van der Bank has also earned a place in the preliminary squad.
The 29-year-old enjoyed a standout 2024 season, earning Major League Rugby’s Player of the Year award, and is likewise set to meet his five-year residency requirement next year.
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Before relocating abroad, Van der Bank played for both the Lions and the Pumas in South Africa. He later joined the New England Free Jacks in 2022, where he has gone on to win three consecutive MLR titles with the Massachusetts-based franchise.
USA training squad for the 2026 season
Although Kriel and van der Bank have been selected with a long-term view toward 2027, former Junior Springbok fly-half Davy Coetzer is a notable omission, despite becoming eligible through residency next year. Coetzer is set to join Seattle in 2026 after playing a key role in Houston’s run to the 2025 MLR Championship Final.
The squad features 35 players, with 15 yet to earn an international cap. The uncapped group includes 20-year-old hooker Seth Smith, recently qualified locks Nathan Den Hoedt and Rhyno Herbst, as well as college draftees Will Sherman and Oscar Treacy. James Rose is the sole player without an MLR contract for the 2026 campaign, having impressed as part of the USA U23 team on their tour of South Africa last summer.
Rugby legend speaks on Springboks' toughest rival
Briefly News previously reported that former South Africa captain Bob Skinstad disclosed the team, which is one of the most challenging opponents in world rugby
Speaking on his Champagne Rugby podcast, 49-year-old Skinstad reflected on the shift in the dynamic between the two sides.
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Source: Briefly News
