Lions kingpin Kriel heads for Japan
Jaco Kriel will join the Kubota Spears after completion of his Super Rugby duties in 2016 and will return to the Emirates Lions in time for the Super Rugby 2017 season. This will be a two year deal and Kriel will be available for the Springboks during this time.
“We see this as an opportunity which is
mutually beneficial to both the Golden Lions Rugby Union and our players as we
therefore manage to secure their services for a longer period of time,” said
Rudolf Straeuli, CEO of the GLRU.
Kriel says winning the Currie Cup in 2015 was another feather in his cap and he therefore appreciate the opportunity to venture overseas during the Currie Cup season and experience another culture.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity of living and playing abroad and bringing back new ideas to my Lions team mates, which has successfully been done by Elton, Lionel and Warwick in the past. I feel I can contribute immensely and I really look forward to the challenge. Kubota has established an exciting team of players and coaches for this season and I am excited to be part of this new chapter,” Kriel said.