Kriel the latest Bulls star to leave after agreeing Japan move

Jesse Kriel has become the latest Bulls star to sign elsewhere, agreeing a deal to join Japanese side Canon Eagles at the end of the Super Rugby season.

A day after Handre Pollard’s impending switch to Top 14 side Montpellier was confirmed, the Bulls announced South Africa international Kriel would be following his compatriot out the exit door.

The Eagles also confirmed the impending arrival of the 25-year-old, who previously had a spell in Japan with the NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes, on Wednesday.

“I am extremely excited and privileged to be joining Canon Eagles,” Kriel told International Player Management.

“I have played in Japan before and it was an amazing experience. I am very excited to be returning to the Top League.

“I hope to make many more great memories on and off the field in Japan. I am very grateful to the Bulls and Springboks for their continued support and backing.”

Jason Jenkins, RG Snyman and Lood de Jager are among the other Bulls players to sign lucrative deals elsewhere, as the team struggles to match the salaries on offer in England, France and Japan. 

The Bulls sit second in Super Rugby’s South African conference.

Kriel and De Jager to leave Vodacom Bulls

The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd confirmed the departure of Springboks Lood de Jager and Jesse Kriel at the end of the current season and wished them well in their future endeavours.https://t.co/BiGqvGC8Em pic.twitter.com/8fyegV0GIV

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) May 15, 2019

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