In form Golden Lions flanker Jaco Kriel seems to be joining the exodus of South African players to the Far East after signing for Kubota Spears. The Spears, coached by former Bulls gaffer Frans Ludeke already have Keegan Daniel, Lionel Mapoe and Grant Hattingh in their ranks, and are set to add Kriel and Bulls star Lappies Labuschagne to their roster.
While Labuschagne’s move is set to be permanent (meaning he will not return for Super Rugby), sources in the South African media have said that Kriel will return for Super Rugby and will only not be available for the Currie Cup.
Kriel has been in the form flanker in South Africa over the last year and a half but has surprisingly not yet been capped by the Boks.