Dan Kriel Bio
Daniel David Kriel (born 15 February 1994) is a South African professional rugby union player who represents the Seattle Seawolves in Major League Rugby. Standing 1.93 m tall and weighing 103 kg, he plays primarily as a centre, with the ability to cover the wing. Kriel is the twin brother of fellow professional rugby player Jesse Kriel, and he has built a steady career across South African and North American rugby competitions.
After progressing through the youth structures in KwaZulu-Natal and the Blue Bulls Academy, Kriel developed into a reliable outside back at both provincial and Super Rugby level. He went on to represent the South Africa Under-20 side and now continues his career in Major League Rugby, contributing experience and physicality to the Seattle Seawolves back line.
Early Life and Background
Daniel David Kriel was born on 15 February 1994 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. He grew up in a family with deep rugby connections. His identical twin, Jesse Kriel, has gone on to play senior international rugby for South Africa, while the brothers are also the great-grandsons of John Hodgson, who represented the British and Irish Lions in 15 matches during the 1930s. This family heritage gave Kriel an early appreciation for the traditions of the sport.
Kriel attended Maritzburg College in Pietermaritzburg, one of the country’s most respected rugby schools. In 2010, his form at school level earned him selection for KwaZulu-Natal at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week competition. Two years later, a dislocated shoulder kept him out of contention for a place at the Under-18 Craven Week, an early setback that did little to slow his progress.
After completing school, Kriel moved to Pretoria to take up a place at the University of Pretoria and to join the Blue Bulls Academy, setting the stage for his rise through the South African rugby ranks.
Path to Rugby
Kriel’s path to professional rugby ran through the Blue Bulls Academy, where he became a first-choice outside centre for the Blue Bulls U19 side in the 2013 Under-19 Provincial Championship. Starting eleven of fourteen matches, he scored six tries, including a brace in a 46–16 victory over Western Province U19, and helped the Blue Bulls go through the season undefeated to claim the title.
In 2014, Kriel was called into the South Africa Under-20 squad for the IRB Junior World Championship in New Zealand. He started matches against New Zealand and Samoa, came off the bench in the semi-final win over New Zealand, and started the final on the right wing as South Africa finished as runners-up after a narrow 20–21 loss to England. That same year, he was a regular for the Blue Bulls U21s as they won the Under-21 Provincial Championship, beating Western Province 20–10 in the final.
His performances at age-group level earned him a place in the Blue Bulls senior setup for the 2015 Vodacom Cup, where he made his domestic first-class debut against Namibian side Welwitschias. He also represented university side UP Tuks in the 2015 Varsity Cup, scoring five tries before their semi-final exit.
Dan Kriel Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
Kriel began his senior career with the Blue Bulls in 2015, combining Vodacom Cup appearances with Currie Cup Premier Division selection later in the year. He featured off the bench for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup, learning from more established midfielders and developing the defensive game that would become a hallmark of his play.
In 2016, he was part of the Bulls Super Rugby squad, gaining top-flight experience alongside his Blue Bulls commitments. That period allowed him to adjust to the speed and physicality of Super Rugby and to refine his distribution and kicking game from the back line.
Western Province and Stormers Era (2017–2019)
At the start of 2017, Kriel relocated to Cape Town, where he joined the Stormers Super Rugby squad and the Western Province Currie Cup side. The move offered him a fresh environment and a new coaching group, and he quickly became a dependable squad member for both teams. Over three seasons in Cape Town, he contributed in the midfield and on the wing, helping Western Province compete in the Currie Cup and providing depth for the Stormers in Super Rugby.
Golden Lions and Lions Era (2020–2021)
Kriel returned to Gauteng in 2020, signing with the Golden Lions for Currie Cup duty and aligning with the Lions for Super Rugby. The switch brought him back to a familiar rugby culture and a system well-suited to his strengths as a powerful runner and solid defender. He featured regularly for the Golden Lions during the 2020 and 2021 Currie Cup seasons.
Seattle Seawolves Era (2022–Present)
In 2022, Kriel took his career overseas, joining the Seattle Seawolves of Major League Rugby. The move marked a new chapter, bringing South African flavour to a growing North American competition. He has featured in the Seawolves back line alongside other experienced internationals, using his size, footwork and read of the game to influence matches. His experience across Super Rugby, the Currie Cup and MLR has made him a valuable contributor for the franchise.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kriel is recognised for his strong aerial work, dependable defence and physical ball-carrying in the outside backs. Comfortable at both centre and wing, he offers a calming presence in the back line and is equally reliable in structured attacking plays and broken-field situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Highlights of Kriel’s career include winning the 2013 Under-19 Provincial Championship with the Blue Bulls, representing South Africa at the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship where his side reached the final, and helping the Blue Bulls U21s to the 2014 Under-21 Provincial Championship title. He has since added international club experience with the Seattle Seawolves to his resume.
Dan Kriel Career Wins
Across age-group, provincial and club rugby, Daniel David Kriel has collected a series of team and personal milestones, with several trophy wins during his Blue Bulls years and an array of match-defining performances for his subsequent teams.
South African Rugby Highlights
Kriel was part of the Blue Bulls U19 side that went unbeaten to win the 2013 Under-19 Provincial Championship and the Blue Bulls U21s that lifted the 2014 Under-21 Provincial Championship with a 20–10 win over Western Province. He also contributed to the Blue Bulls’ run to the 2015 Vodacom Cup semi-final and later featured for Western Province, the Golden Lions and the Lions.
Other Wins and Performances
In North America, Kriel has added to his trophy cabinet with the Seattle Seawolves, who have been among the more successful franchises in Major League Rugby during his time at the club.
Dan Kriel Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kriel’s family is steeped in rugby history. His identical twin, Jesse Kriel, is a senior Springbok and one of South Africa’s most recognisable midfielders. The brothers are also the great-grandsons of John Hodgson, a British and Irish Lions tourist of the 1930s, giving the Kriel twins a notable international rugby lineage.
Personal Life
Daniel David Kriel is married to Candace, and the couple has two daughters. He continues to balance his professional rugby commitments in Major League Rugby with his family life, often sharing updates through his social media channels.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 campaign, Dan Kriel remains a key figure in the Seattle Seawolves back line, offering Super Rugby and Currie Cup experience to a Major League Rugby side aiming to compete at the top of the standings. His combination of size, footwork and midfield organisation has continued to provide the Seawolves with a reliable centre option.
Throughout the 2025 season, Kriel has featured regularly for the franchise, contributing in both attack and defence while helping integrate new signings into the team’s systems. His communication on the field and leadership among the outside backs have been valuable assets for the coaching staff.
With the Major League Rugby season progressing, Kriel’s form will be central to the Seattle Seawolves’ push toward the playoffs, and his experience on both sides of the ball makes him a player to watch as the competition intensifies.