A key member of the Vodacom Bulls backline has decided to continue his career in France.
According to Rapport, utility back David Kriel is set to join Top 14 club La Rochelle at the end of the season, ending speculation over his future after attracting interest from clubs in Japan and Scotland.
The 27-year-old had also been in discussions with Franco Smith’s Glasgow Warriors.
Instead, Kriel – who came off the bench in the 65th minute of the Bulls’ win against Munster at Loftus on Saturday – will link up with a La Rochelle side coached by Ronan O’Gara.
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The French club has built strong South African ties in recent years, with former Springbok wings Dillyn Leyds and Raymond Rhule playing an important part in back-to-back Investec Champions Cup title triumphs.
Former Bok prop Gurthrö Steenkamp spent four successful years at the club as scrum coach, while ex-Stormers strength and conditioning coach Stephan du Toit continues to work there.
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Kriel’s departure provides further context to the Bulls’ recent recruitment drive in the backline, with Curwin Bosch (Brive), Dylan Maart (Griquas) and Thaakir Abrahams (Munster) all heading to Pretoria.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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