Bulls star David Kriel will make a move to the Top14 at the end of the season.

• Bulls utility back David Kriel will join French side La Rochelle in July, ending a six-year stint at Loftus Versfeld.
• Kriel’s versatility was not enough to knock down the Springboks’ door; however, it was all that Ronan O’Gara’s side needed to snap him up.
• Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone said it is disappointing to lose a player of Kriel’s quality.
• For more United Rugby Championship news, visit News24’s dedicated section.

The Bulls have confirmed that utility back David Kriel will join French giants La Rochelle in July, bringing an end to his long-term stay at the Pretoria franchise.

After much speculation about his future, Kriel has decided to move to the Top 14 with Ronan O’Gara’s side. The skilled back has been one of the Bulls’ most consistent players. He emerged during the Super Rugby Unlocked era in 2020 and developed into an integral figure in the team’s setup.

He played a vital role in their runs to three United Rugby Championship finals in four seasons.

READ| ‘It was a challenging week’: Ackers says Bulls valiantly fought illness and conditions in Glasgow loss

The statistics tell the story of Kriel’s influence as the ultimate versatile player, someone who can play across the backline.

According to the Bulls, Kriel has played 143 games with 41 appearances at fullback, 36 at outside centre, 30 at inside centre, and 26 appearances across both wings, with 10 starts from the bench.

In an era where being a utility player is rewarded at Springbok level, Kriel’s versatility has not convinced Rassie Erasmus and the Boks coaching staff. However, it has sealed his stature as one of the modern-day heroes at Loftus Versfeld.

The 27-year-old is looking forward to the next chapter of his career in France.

“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,” said Kriel.

“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.”

Edgar Rathbone, the Bulls’ chief executive, said they are disappointed to lose a player of Kriel’s calibre.

“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.

“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.”

With the Bulls in a race for a play-off spot in the United Rugby Championship, Kriel is expected to play a crucial role in the final months of the season.