Centre Jesse Kriel will leave the Vodacom Bulls at the end of the season after signing for the Canon Eagles in Japan.

‘I am extremely excited and privileged to be joining Canon Eagles,’ Kriel commented. ‘I have played in Japan before and it was an amazing experience. I am very excited to be returning to the Top League,’ Kriel told International Player Management.

‘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.’

The news of Kriel’s departure follows the official confirmation of moves abroad for Handré Pollard and Lood de Jager (Bulls), Jean-Luc, Dan du Preez and Coenie Oosthuizen (Sharks), and Cheetahs coach Franco Smith.

Congrats to @JesseKriel15, who has signed for the @Canon_Eagles in Japan! pic.twitter.com/1qZY65MIee

— International Player Management (@IPMrugby) May 15, 2019

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix