Bulls lose the 'cornerstone of their backline' to France
TRANSFER NEWS: After six highly successful seasons with the Bulls, utility back David Kriel has opted to accept a contract from La Rochelle in France, beginning in July.
Kriel, a two-time Currie Cup champion with the team, has been one of the most consistent players over the years, earning acclaim for his pace and athleticism.
In Europe for next weekend’s URC fixture against the Dragons, Kriel is thrilled to be making the move.
“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.
“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to my journey with the Bulls. I’m very thankful for every coach, every player, every staff member, and every fan for making my time here so memorable.
“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. It’s very difficult to say goodbye. It was a dream to play for the Bulls since I was a young boy; I’m just thankful to everyone who made it possible for me to achieve that dream.”
Since making his debut in October 2020 on the left wing in a Super Rugby Unlocked clash against the Griquas, Kriel has evolved into a cornerstone of the professional era, amassing an incredible 142 caps for the Bulls.
Kriel’s tenure has been defined by a rare and selfless versatility that saw him master almost every position in the backline.
Over his 143 appearances, he featured at fullback (41 times), outside centre (36 times), inside centre (30 times), and across both wings (26 times), while also providing impact from the bench on 10 occasions.
This adaptability has seen him become one of the most decorated modern players, with only his contemporaries Embrose Papier, Ruan Nortje, and Johan Grobbelaar having played more matches for the union among the current squad.
His statistical footprint at Loftus is equally staggering. With 321 points (consisting of 53 tries, 16 conversions, and eight penalties) he sits 25th on the all-time points list. Most notably, his 53 career tries place him ninth on the Bulls’ all-time try-scoring list, an achievement that sees him move ahead of legendary figures such as Bryan Habana, as well as current stars Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie.
Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone commended Kriel’s contribution: “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.
“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.”
