TUKWILA, WASHINGTON (September 14, 2021) – The Seattle Seawolves have signed Super Rugby center Dan Kriel through 2024. The South-African born back is set to debut and compete in Major League Rugby (MLR) beginning 2022.
“Signing Dan on a three-year contract reflects the aspirations we have as a Club. He’s an experienced Super Rugby player yet he’s still only 27 years old with huge ambition to perform for the Seawolves and challenge for senior honors with the Springboks,” said Seawolves director of rugby and head coach Allen Clarke. “From all our conversations, Dan clearly is a man of integrity and principle. I’ve no doubt he’ll be a tremendous addition to our squad and role model to our young, midfield backs. I’m sure our supporters will join me in welcoming Dan, his wife, Candice and children, Summer and, Cruz to the Seawolves family.”
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Kriel comes from a strong rugby family. His twin brother, Jesse, is also a professional rugby player and his great grandfather, John Hodgeson, had 15 appearances for the British Irish Lions in the 1930’s. Kriel attended Maritzburg College where he was selected into his school’s age-grade sides. After high school, Kriel joined the Blue Bulls Academy U19 side and quickly became their first-choice center. He helped the Blue Bulls win the U19 championship in 2013 and the U21 Championship in 2014. Thriving in the professional environment, Kriel caught the attention of the Springbok U20 coaches and was selected to their Junior World Cup squad in 2014 and helped them finish second in the tournament. Kriel continued to be a consistent scoring threat as he progressed through the Bulls’ Academy side, he then suited up for the University of Pretoria. He made the Tuks’ Varsity Cup semi-finalist squad and was named to the Varsity Cup Dream Team in 2015.
He made his Currie Cup debut the same year with the Blue Bulls senior side, and their Super Rugby side in 2016 with three appearances. A move came next for Kriel to Cape Town to join the Stormers in 2017. He spent three seasons with the Stormers’ Super Rugby side and Western Province in the Currie Cup competition, where he was a contributing member to their 2017 Currie Cup Championship. In 2019, he pivoted to the Lions and Golden Lions in their Super Rugby, Currie Cup, and Rainbow Cup competitions. Kriel’s vast experience and dynamic skill set in all aspects of the game, paired with some of his best playing years still ahead of him, makes the back one of Seattle’s marquee signings this off season.
“My family and I are really excited for the new chapter that lies ahead,” said Kriel. “We have heard such great things about Seattle and Major League Rugby. It already feels like home.”
Check out Kriel’s highlights here. 2022 season ticket memberships are on sale now and can be purchased here.
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