A potential tug-of-war is brewing over a young South African winger who has burst onto the scene in England after a sensational solo try for the Exeter Chiefs.
Former Michaelhouse pupil Campbell Ridl, just 20, crossed the whitewash against Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership, instantly putting his name in the spotlight. The powerful back represented England U20 last year and is now firmly on the radar at club and international level.
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SA ROOTS, ENGLISH BIRTH
According to Netwerk24, Ridl was born in England in 2005 to South African parents who met there, before the family returned to South Africa when he was still very young.
Both Campbell and his younger brother William – currently starring for Michaelhouse and already signed by the Sharks – hold dual South African and British citizenship, leaving future international allegiance wide open.
BUILT FOR THE BIG STAGE
Standing 1.95m tall and weighing 96kg, Ridl is an exceptional athlete. While he is currently being used on the wing, he is naturally an outside centre.
Exeter attack coach Dave Walder has already confirmed that Ridl will get opportunities in midfield during the current Premiership season.
SETBACKS AND BREAKTHROUGH
Ridl moved to England in 2023 after completing his matriculation, balancing his rugby ambitions with marketing studies. His early momentum at Exeter was disrupted by a broken hand sustained in a pre-season fixture.
He went on to make his senior debut against Saracens in December, later announcing himself emphatically with a memorable try against Leicester.
The start of 2026 proved less positive, however, as he was shown a 20-minute red card against Bath, with the Chiefs going on to lose 33–26 at The Rec.
EDITORS PICKS:
2027 Rugby World Cup Draw: England get tough group
Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:
Band 1:Â South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2:Â Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3:Â Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4:Â Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada
2027 Rugby World Cup draw:
Pool A
New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.
Pool B
South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.
Pool C
Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.
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