The Vodacom Bulls have officially announced the exit of David Kriel, a linchpin in their backline, who is set to join French rugby heavyweights La Rochelle starting July. Kriel, who has been with the Bulls for six fruitful years and is a two-time Currie Cup winner, played his last game for the team in their recent 25-21 defeat to Glasgow Warriors in the Investec Champions Cup.
Kriel, 27, celebrated for his steady performance and flexibility on the field, expressed his enthusiasm about the new chapter in his career.
"I couldn’t be more excited to be heading there to learn French culture, to meet new people and still do the thing that I love most,"
Kriel said. He added a heartfelt thanks to the Bulls community:
"I’m grateful for each opportunity and the growth as not only a player but as a human being. Goodbyes are never easy, especially to something that means so much to me and a place I’ve called home for the last six years."
Since his debut in October 2020, Kriel has donned the Bulls jersey 142 times, showcasing his versatility by playing nearly every position in the backline. His stats are impressive: 53 tries, 16 conversions, and 8 penalties, earning him a spot as the 25th all-time leading scorer for the Bulls with 321 points.
Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone praised Kriel's professional ethos and contribution to the team. "David has been a quintessential professional and a cornerstone of our backline over the last six seasons. Watching his transition from a promising talent into a world-class player and a leader within our environment has been a privilege for all of us at Loftus," Rathbone remarked. He continued, "While we are naturally disappointed to lose a player of his versatility and character, we believe in supporting our players’ ambitions to test themselves in different leagues. He leaves with our sincere gratitude for his immense contribution to the blue jersey, and we wish him and his family only the very best for their new adventure in France."
As the Bulls prepare to bid farewell to a pivotal player, the rugby world watches eagerly to see how Kriel will fare in the European circuits and how the Bulls will adapt to this significant transition.
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The Vodacom Bulls have officially announced the exit of David Kriel, a linchpin in their backline, who is set to join French rugby heavyweights La Rochelle starting July. Kriel, who has been with the Bulls for six fruitful years and is a two-time Currie Cup winner, played his last game for the team in their recent 25-21 defeat to Glasgow Warriors in the Investec Champions Cup.
Kriel, 27, celebrated for his steady performance and flexibility on the field, expressed his enthusiasm about the new chapter in his career.
"I couldn’t be more excited to be heading there to learn French culture, to meet new people and still do the thing that I love most,"
Kriel said. He added a heartfelt thanks to the Bulls community:"I’m grateful for each opportunity and the growth as not only a player but as a human being. Goodbyes are never easy, especially to something that means so much to me and a place I’ve called home for the last six years."
Since his debut in October 2020, Kriel has donned the Bulls jersey 142 times, showcasing his versatility by playing nearly every position in the backline. His stats are impressive: 53 tries, 16 conversions, and 8 penalties, earning him a spot as the 25th all-time leading scorer for the Bulls with 321 points.
Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone praised Kriel's professional ethos and contribution to the team. "David has been a quintessential professional and a cornerstone of our backline over the last six seasons. Watching his transition from a promising talent into a world-class player and a leader within our environment has been a privilege for all of us at Loftus," Rathbone remarked. He continued, "While we are naturally disappointed to lose a player of his versatility and character, we believe in supporting our players’ ambitions to test themselves in different leagues. He leaves with our sincere gratitude for his immense contribution to the blue jersey, and we wish him and his family only the very best for their new adventure in France."
As the Bulls prepare to bid farewell to a pivotal player, the rugby world watches eagerly to see how Kriel will fare in the European circuits and how the Bulls will adapt to this significant transition.