David Kriel Leaves Bulls for La Rochelle Move

The Bulls have lost David Kriel to La Rochelle. The 28-year-old utility back exits Loftus Versfeld after six seasons, bound for France's Top 14 when his contract expires in July.

Kriel departs as a two-time Currie Cup winner and one of Jake White's most trusted operators. His searing pace and athletic ability have made him a fixture across multiple backline positions. The reliability factor matters most—Kriel delivers, week after week, competition after competition.

It's a blow for the Pretoria franchise. Losing proven quality to Europe continues reshaping the URC landscape, and Kriel represents exactly the kind of dependable performer White's system relies upon. His work ethic and versatility have underpinned considerable Bulls success during his tenure.

La Rochelle offers Champions Cup rugby and a platform against Europe's best. That level of competition drives South African players abroad, and Kriel gets his shot at the highest continental stage. He arrives in France as a player hitting his prime, carrying Super Rugby and URC experience into one of the world's toughest leagues.

Kriel's final Bulls appearance comes this weekend when the franchise faces the Dragons in Wales for their Vodacom URC fixture. The timing makes it a farewell tour of sorts before he switches hemispheres and codes of professionalism.

The silver lining for White centres on opportunity. Younger Bulls backs knocking on selection doors now have clearer pathways. The depth exists to absorb Kriel's departure, even if replacing his consistency proves difficult.

Loftus watches another quality operator head north. Kriel's French chapter begins immediately after the Dragons clash, closing six years of committed service to the Bulls cause.