Springbok centre Jesse Kriel says he has learned that the worst thing any athlete can do to themselves is developing a victim mentality.

The 26-year-old Kriel was part of the Springboks’ 31-man World Cup squad but suffered a tournament-ending hamstring injury in South Africa’s opening match against the All Blacks.

In an interview with RugbyPass, Kriel said there was no time to feel sorry for himself about his misfortune. He had immediately focused on the next task of getting fit enough to be ready and available for selection should any other backs go down.

‘I could control getting back into shape, putting all my energy into rehab and knowing that I could get back out there if someone got injured,’ he said.

‘The worst thing you can do is become a victim and feel sorry for yourself because, to be honest, no one cares. Unfortunately it didn’t all work out, but I can honestly say I have got absolutely no regrets and I did everything possible to get back in shape and back to full fitness.

‘Every night I go to bed a happy guy; we won the World Cup and we achieved our goal. Whether I played or not, that doesn’t matter, that’s irrelevant.’

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