SWISS ARMY KNIFE: Versatile Kriel swaps Bulls for La Rochelle

The player dubbed the “swiss army knife” of the Vodacom Bulls backline - utility back David Kriel - will leave the franchise for French club La Rochelle at the end of the season, the team announced Tuesday.

Kriel, who joined the Bulls from Western Province six seasons ago, won two Currie Cup titles with the Bulls, and was part of the team that went to three Vodacom United Rugby Championship finals in the past four seasons.

His versatility - he can play anywhere in the backline - made him essential for the Bulls and he was one of their most consistent performers over the past few years.

Kriel made his debut on the left wing in October 2020 during the Super Rugby Unlocked clash against GRiquas, and has played 142 times for the Vodacom Bulls to date. In those 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.

Those stats have him as one of the Bulls players in the current squad with the most caps - with only Embrose Papier, Ruan Nortje and Johan Grobbelaar playing more matches for the Bulls in the current squad.

According to the press release announcing his departure, 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 Vodacom 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.

Kriel said from France, where he is currently with the Bulls squad, that he was excited to move abroad.

“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 Vodacom Bulls. I’m very thankful for every coach, every player, every staff member, and every fan for making my time here so memorable.

🚨DAVID KRIEL TO JOIN LA ROCHELLE

After six seasons with the Vodacom Bulls, versatile back David Kriel will move to La Rochelle in July.

A two-time Currie Cup winner, he made 142 appearances and scored 321 points, earning praise for his consistency and adaptability.

Kriel… pic.twitter.com/ndzk7aOJnz — Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) April 7, 2026

“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 Vodacom Bulls since I was a young boy; I’m just thankful to everyone who made it possible for me to achieve that dream.”

Vodacom 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.”

The Bulls have already announced departures for Springboks Wilco Louw and Kurt-Lee Arendse at the end of the season, while they retained the services of Bok lock Cobus Wiese, who signed on for two more seasons.