Jesse Kriel snubs UK interest to sign Japanese deal

Following the news that Handre Pollard will leave the Bulls at the end of the season while RG Snyman is set to miss the 2020 season while off in Japan, the Bulls have been dealt yet another blow with former Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee luring the Springbok back to Japan to join the Canon Eagles.

Kriel was linked with a move to the Premiership with Bath reportedly interested in signing the Springbok centre but has opted to sign with the Top League side on a long term deal.

Next year, the Bulls will also be without locks Jason Jenkins and Lood de Jager, who both signed long- term deals with the Canon Eagles & Sale Sharks while Handre Pollard will join Montpellier after the Super Rugby season.

Some relief for the Bulls is the fact that Springbok lock RG Snyman will return to the franchise ahead of the 2021 Super Rugby season while veteran flyhalf Morne Steyn will make his return to Loftus for the 2020 Super Rugby season after stints in France.

Kriel has represented the Springboks 40 times and has earned 69 Super Rugby caps for the Bulls. The 25-year-old recently suffered a long-term injury meaning that he may have already played his final game for the Bulls if they are unable to make the Super Rugby playoffs.

Canon Eagles also confirmed the signing of Stormers outside back SP Marais as well as Tenri University's Mitsuhide Matsuyama.