South Africa's Jaco Kriel to join Gloucester ahead of 2018/19 season

Gloucester Rugby have confirmed the signing of South Africa international Jaco Kriel for the upcoming season of English Premiership.

Kriel will link with the Kingsholm unit from Super Rugby club Lions, which he led to the final in the previous season where they lost the final to the eventual winners Crusaders.

His association with the South African regional side started in 2010 and he has also represented University of Johannesburg in the Varsity Cup and also represented Japanese club Kubota Spears between 2016 and 2018.

Director of Rugby David Humphreys welcomed Kriel's addition and believes the 28-year-old will provide flexibility to the squad.

“Jaco’s record in his career so far speaks for itself, and he is a player that Johan rates very highly. He will understand immediately what Johan expects from his players, and the style of play that we are trying to promote.

“Jaco was one of the leading players for the Lions during their development as a squad, and their drive to two Super Rugby finals, and has also been a real star in the Springbok jersey.

“At the club, we have some really exciting young players, especially in our back row forward area, and Jaco’s arrival will provide us with more world class quality in that position, especially with the pressures put on the squad as we take on Champions Cup rigby next season.

“He has been frustrated to miss out this season with a shoulder injury however, he has already met with all of our backroom team at Hartpury College, and he will be fit and firing come the start of the new season.”

Kriel has played 11 Tests for Springboks since making his debut in June 2016 with his last appearance coming in September last year.

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