Get to know Jasper Wiese through his comprehensive biography and personal life revelations

Get to know Jasper Wiese through his comprehensive biography and personal life revelations

Kenneth Mwenda
February 25, 2024 at 11:05 AM

Jasper Wiese, the dynamic South African rugby player, has carved a name for himself in rugby with his great skills and unwavering dedication. Known for his imposing presence on the field, Wiese's journey in rugby is a testament to his passion and commitment to the sport. From his early days honing his talents in South Africa to his current exploits on the international stage, Wiese has consistently impressed fans and critics alike.

Jasper Wiese of South Africa during rugby sessions
Jasper Wiese of South Africa was part of the Rugby World Cup 2023 Squad in France. Photo: Alex Livesey/David Rogers (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

With a towering stature and exceptional athleticism, he has become a formidable force in the back row, leaving an indelible mark wherever he plays. This article about Jasper Wiese is sourced online from a comprehensive analysis of factual information.

Profile summary

Names

Jasper Wiese

Date of birth

October 21 1995

Place of birth

Upington, South Africa

Gender

Male

Nationality

South African

Position

Back row player

Marital status

Married

Wife

Anja Wiese

Daughter

Emiah

Height

1.89 metres

Current team

Leicester Tigers

National team

Springboks

School

Hoërskool Upington

University

Central University of Technology

Social media

Instagram

How old is Jasper Wiese?

He was born October 21 1995, in Upington, South Africa (age 28 as of February 2024). Wiese began in the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week squad around 2011, featuring in all three matches and scoring three tries, placing him among the top try scorers.

He then continued his impressive form in the Under-18 Craven Week, replicating his try-scoring feat with three tries in as many starts. In 2013, Wiese returned to the Under-18 Craven Week, maintaining consistency by starting in all three matches and adding two more tries to his tally.

Jasper Wiese's senior rugby career

After completing high school, Wiese relocated to Bloemfontein and enrolled in the Free State Cheetahs Academy alongside joining the CUT Ixias University team. The star was featured in several matches for the institution, aiding his team's victory and subsequent promotion.

Facts about Jasper Wiese
Jasper Wiese during a match between South Africa and Georgia at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on July 02, 2021, in Pretoria, South Africa. Photo: David Rogers (modified by author)
Source: Original

Wiese also represented the Free State U19 team. Despite not being selected for the country's Under-20 squad trials, he continued to showcase his prowess, transitioning to the Free State U21 team, where he excelled as a flanker, finishing as the third-highest try scorer in the competition. Jasper's dynamic performances extended to the Varsity Cup in 2016, where he made significant contributions to his team before joining the Free State XV.

When did he join Cheetahs Super Rugby team?

At the close of 2016, Wiese was enlisted in the Cheetahs Super Rugby team's training group for the following season. Simultaneously, it was revealed that he would switch to the Griffons, located in Welkom, following the conclusion of the Varsity tournament with Ixias University.

In 2020, a significant chapter unfolded as Wiese announced his switch to England, UK, signing with Leicester Tigers. His debut was against Gloucester, just four days after meeting his new teammates.

Throughout the season, Jasper's performances earned him recognition, notably being named Man of the Match against Bath in January 2021. However, his journey also saw challenges, as he received a four-week ban for a dangerous ruck clear-out incident against Wasps in February 2021.

Is Jasper Wiese leaving Leicester?

Reports suggest that Jasper Wiese is set to leave Leicester at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, as it is claimed that the South African World Cup champion declined an offer from the Tigers. Instead, he purportedly opted for a lucrative opportunity to ply his trade in Japan. Jasper will earn a salary increase of more than 50 per cent by moving to the Far East. He stated:

'I have loved every minute of my time at the club and will continue to give my all for my team and my teammates. This is a special place for me and my family. We have a lot more memories to create this season.'
Jasper Wiese during Leicester Tigers rugby game
Jasper Wiese (R) of Leicester Tigers charges upfield during a match against DHL Stormers at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on December 10, 2023, in Leicester, England. Photo: David Rogers
Source: Getty Images

When did Jasper Wiese debut for the Springboks?

Despite setbacks, Jasper's trajectory soared as he received a call-up to the Springboks squad for the test series against the British and Irish Lions in June 2021. He made his international debut against Georgia in July of the same year.

Subsequent accolades followed, including being named Man of the Match in the 2022 Premiership final. In November of 2022, the Springboks No. 8 was sidelined from the Autumn Nations Series Test due to a concussion injury, and Kwagga Smith was selected to replace him.

The South African back row was also awarded the prestigious title of Rugby Players Association Players' Player of the Year. This was for his outstanding contributions to Leicester Tigers during the 2022–23 season.

Jasper Wiese in the 2023 World Cup rugby

In 2023, Jasper earned a coveted spot in the Springbok's World Cup squad and was notably included in the starting XV for their opening match against Scotland. This pivotal game took place at Stade De Velondrome in Marseille, France, on September 10, 2023. Subsequently, Wiese played a crucial role in his team's journey to clinch the trophy, marking their second consecutive victory following their triumph in 2019.

Jasper Wiese's height, weight, and position

Jasper, a 28-year-old South African rugby player, stands at an impressive height of 1.89 metres (6 feet 2 inches) and weighs 122 kilograms (268.96 pounds). Jasper has predominantly played in the back row position, featuring as a number 8 in most of his starts and occasionally as an openside flanker in a few games. He has also made an appearance as lock.

Jasper Wiese during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match
Leicester Tigers' Jasper Wiese during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match against Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm Stadium on November 25, 2023, in Gloucester, England. Photo: Bob Bradford
Source: Getty Images

There is a common misconception that Jasper is a blood relative of former rugby player Kobus Wiese. He is not related to Kobus. However, Jasper is actually linked to another rugby player - he is the older brother of Sale Sharks Premiership rugby player Cobus Wiese.

The similarity in names, with Kobus and Cobus, has led many to believe Jasper is connected to Kobus. Jasper and Cobus's father is called Christo Wiese. Kobus and the Wiese brothers hail from South Africa, have deep roots in rugby, and share the same surname.

In addition to his rugby pursuits, Jasper's brother, Cobus, is known for his devotion to family life. He resides with his wife, Rike-Mari Wiese, and their two charming daughters. The couple publicly announced their marriage on August 24, 2021, sharing the joyful news via an Instagram post.

Who is Jasper Wiese's wife?

Jasper is married to Anja Wiese and they are parents of their daughter, Emiah, who was born in July 2023. Their relationship began in September 2017 before getting engaged in September 2020. They married on 19 June 2021.

Jasper Wiese, his wife and kid
Jasper Wiese is happily married to his wife, Anja Wiese, and together, they are the proud parents of their daughter, Emiah. Photos: @jaswiese (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Final word

Jasper Wiese stands as a beacon of perseverance and excellence in rugby. With each match, he solidifies his legacy as an inspirational figure in the sport.

READ MORE: Explore the biography of Eben Etzebeth

Sports Brief published an article about Eben Etzebeth. The South African rugby union player rose to fame as a lock for the Sharks and Western Province.

In 2022, he began playing with the club Sharks, and since then, his fame has garnered him significant fan bases across social media platforms.

Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.
Tags
Rugby World CupSouth African Rugby Union (SARU)