David Kriel, born on 15 February 1999, is a South African rugby union player known for his versatility on the field. He currently represents the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship and the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup. His regular position is fullback, but he can also be utilized as a utility back.
Kriel's rugby career began to take shape when he was named in the Stormers squad for the 2020 Super Rugby season. However, he made the move to the Bulls ahead of the Super Rugby Unlocked competition to join his brother, Richard Kriel, in the team. He made his debut for the Bulls in Round 1 of Super Rugby Unlocked against Griquas.
Standing at an imposing height of 1.94m (6 ft 4+1⁄2 in) and weighing 94 kg (207 lb), Kriel possesses physical attributes that make him a formidable presence on the field. His height becomes an advantage when contesting high balls, and he is known for his hard-running style and work rate.
In 2018, Kriel had the opportunity to represent the Junior Springboks in three matches, where he showcased his speed and scoring ability by scoring two tries. He played against Georgia in Stellenbosch and was included in the team's touring squad to the UK, where he faced Scotland and England. In May 2019, he was named in the Junior Springboks squad for the 2019 World Rugby U20s Championship.
After his time with the Stormers, Kriel announced his move to the Bulls ahead of the 2021 Super Rugby season. This allowed him to join forces with his younger brother, Richard Kriel, further strengthening the bond between the two siblings on and off the field.
Throughout his career, Kriel has achieved notable successes, including winning the Currie Cup in 2020–21 and 2021. He also reached the final of the Pro14 Rainbow Cup in 2021 and the United Rugby Championship in 2021-22, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level of competition.
With his versatility, physicality, and skill set, David Kriel continues to make a significant impact for the Bulls and Blue Bulls, contributing to their success and adding depth to their backline options. As he further hones his abilities, he is poised to become an even more influential player in the South African rugby landscape.
KG(20/05/2023)
Career
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Blue Bulls Fullback |
2020 - present |
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Bulls Fullback |
2020 - present |
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South Africa U20's Fullback |
2019 - 2019 |
