Rugby Transfers: Bulls and Glasgow Warriors stars head to France while Exeter Chiefs livewire joins PREM rivals with immediate effect
Bulls utility back David Kriel, Glasgow Warriors hooker Johnny Matthews and new Newcastle Red Bulls full-back Josh Hodge in action for Exeter Chiefs.
Bulls utility back David Kriel has signed a deal to join La Rochelle while Glasgow Warriors hooker Johnny Matthews’ move to Montauban has been confirmed and Exeter Chiefs’ Josh Hodge has arrived early at Newcastle Red Bulls.
Kriel to join La Rochelle
The Bulls have announced that Kriel has signed a deal to join Top 14 outfit La Rochelle and he will start his stint in France in July.
Kriel, who won two Currie Cup titles with the Bulls, has been one of the Pretoria-based club’s most consistent performers since joining them in 2020, earning acclaim for his pace and athleticism.
The 27-year-old, who is currently in Europe with the Bulls ahead of next weekend’s United Rugby Championship (URC) fixture with the Dragons, is thrilled to be making the move.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be heading there to learn French culture, to meet new people and still do the thing that I love most,” he said.
“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to my journey with the Vodacom Bulls. I’m very thankful for every coach, every player, every staff member, and every fan for making my time here so memorable.
“I’m grateful for each opportunity and the growth as not only a player but as a human being. Goodbyes are never easy, especially to something that means so much to me and a place I’ve called home for the last six years. It’s very difficult to say goodbye.
“It was a dream to play for the Vodacom Bulls since I was a young boy; I’m just thankful to everyone who made it possible for me to achieve that dream.”
Since making his debut in October 2020 on the left wing in a Super Rugby Unlocked clash against the Griquas, Kriel has gone on to make 142 further appearances for the Bulls.
During his time with the Bulls, his versatility has been an asset for the team and over the years he has featured at full-back (41 times), outside centre (36 times), inside centre (30 times), and across both wings (26 times), while also providing impact from the bench on 10 occasions.
Kriel has been a regular for the Bulls since joining their ranks with only his contemporaries Embrose Papier, Ruan Nortje, and Johan Grobbelaar having played more matches for the team in recent years.
Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone commended Kriel’s contribution to the team and wished him well on his new venture.
“David has been a quintessential professional and a cornerstone of our backline over the last six seasons,” he said.
“Watching his transition from a promising talent into a world class player and a leader within our environment has been a privilege for all of us at Loftus.
“While we are naturally disappointed to lose a player of his versatility and character, we believe in supporting our players’ ambitions to test themselves in different leagues.
“He leaves with our sincere gratitude for his immense contribution to the blue jersey, and we wish him and his family only the very best for their new adventure in France.”
Matthews also heading to France
Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors assistant coach Nigel Carolan has confirmed experienced hooker Matthews will join Top 14 strugglers Montauban.
The ex-Scotland international has shone for the Warriors after initially joining them on a short-term deal in 2019 and his excellent performances have made the 32-year-old a big favourite among the club’s supporters.
The 32-year-old played a leading role during Glasgow’s victorious 2023/24 URC campaign which saw him finishing as their leading try-scorer with 14 five-pointers.
Matthews has scored more than 50 tries for the Warriors – including five in a memorable 73-33 victory over the Dragons in a memorable Challenge Cup clash at Scotstoun Stadium in 2023.
He has agreed terms on a three-year contract with Montauban and Carolan revealed that the offer represents greater long-term security for Matthews and his family.
“Look, there was an option for Johnny but it probably wasn’t a long-term option,” Carolan told Scotland Rugby News when asked if the Warriors tried to retain Matthews’ services.
“He’s got a pretty good deal. And it’s something that we wouldn’t stand in his way. He’s got to look after himself as well. And, you know, he’s got a multi-year deal in France. Something that suits him and his young family.
“And it’s where he is now in our pecking order over the last couple of, the last few months. Gregor Hiddleston has stepped up and, more recently, Seb Stephen has stepped up. And even looking behind that, you’ve Tavi Tuipulotu, you’ve got Joe Roberts in the academy, who’s going to be poking his head into the senior squad next year as well.
“It’s never nice to lose a player like Johnny – he’s been brilliant for us – but as I said, it’s just the evolution of a rugby team. And, you know, it’s just great that we’ve got really good quality young guys coming through.
“And, look, we wish Johnny all the best. He’s been brilliant for us over the last few years. But it wasn’t so long ago that Johnny was that fringe player. We had Fraser Brown here and we had George Turner here. Then Johnny got his time as a frontrunner and it’s now time for someone else to step up.”
Matthews joins fellow experienced players Jack Dempsey, Huw Jones, Adam Hastings and Jamie Bhatti who will be leaving the Warriors at the end of the current season.
Hodge joins Newcastle with immediate effect
Elsewhere, Exeter Chiefs and England A full-back Hodge has joined fellow PREM Rugby campaigners Newcastle Red Bulls with immediate effect.
Hodge was set to join the Kingston Park-based club in July on a three-year deal but, following agreement with the Chiefs, he now returns to his former club for the run-in to this season.
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Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy is excited that Hodge has joined the club earlier than expected.
“We would like to thank Exeter Chiefs for their co-operation in enabling Josh to join us early,” he said. “He is a quality player who will enhance our playing options between now and the end of the season.
“As much as we are building for the longer term we are also fully committed to finishing the current season strongly, and bringing Josh here three months early is further demonstration of that.”
Hodge is looking forward to the new challenge with the Red Bulls.
“I’m really excited to be joining Newcastle Red Bulls at this stage in the season,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and building towards a strong end to the campaign. I’m ready to hit ground running, and setting the tone for what we want to achieve next season.”