The Loftus Versfeld faithful are preparing for a significant void in their backline as the Blue Bulls confirmed David Kriel will depart for France in July. The versatile utility back has signed with Top 14 heavyweights La Rochelle, marking the end of a prolific six-season era in Pretoria.
Standing at 1.95m and weighing 102kg, the Grey College product has been the ultimate Swiss Army Knife for director of rugby Jake White. Whether at fullback, wing, or centre, Kriel’s tactical awareness and 321 career points have made him a cornerstone of the Bulls since joining from Western Province in 2020.
“David Kriel has been a massive servant for the Bulls and seeing him head to a giant like La Rochelle shows exactly how highly he is rated globally.” – Jay | JPS
Kriel leaves as a double Currie Cup champion, having tasted domestic glory in the 2020–21 and 2021 seasons.
While he endured the heartbreak of two United Rugby Championship final defeats against the Stormers and Glasgow Warriors, his consistency never wavered. He departs as the 9th highest try-scorer in Bulls history with 53 tries, having famously surpassed the tally of legendary Springbok Bryan Habana.
A perennial Springbok contender throughout 2024 and 2025 without earning a senior Test cap yet, the move to the physically demanding Top 14 offers Kriel the ideal platform to push for international honours under coach Ronan O’Gara.
📸 Photo by Bulls Rugby / Gallo Images
