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.<\/p>\n
Former Michaelhouse pupil\u00a0Campbell Ridl, just 20, crossed the whitewash against Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership, instantly putting his name in the spotlight. The powerful back represented\u00a0England U20\u00a0last year and is now firmly on the radar at club and international level.<\/p>\n
Join the RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n SA ROOTS, ENGLISH BIRTH<\/p>\n According to\u00a0Netwerk24<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n Both Campbell and his younger brother\u00a0William\u00a0\u2013 currently starring for Michaelhouse and already signed by the Sharks \u2013 hold\u00a0dual South African and British citizenship, leaving future international allegiance wide open.<\/p>\n BUILT FOR THE BIG STAGE<\/p>\n Standing\u00a01.95m\u00a0tall and weighing\u00a096kg, Ridl is an exceptional athlete. While he is currently being used on the wing, he is naturally an\u00a0outside centre.<\/p>\n Exeter attack coach\u00a0Dave Walder\u00a0has already confirmed that Ridl will get opportunities in midfield during the current Premiership season.<\/p>\n SETBACKS AND BREAKTHROUGH<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n He went on to make his senior debut against Saracens in December, later announcing himself emphatically with a memorable try against Leicester.<\/p>\n 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\u201326 at The Rec.<\/p>\n EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n 2027 Rugby World Cup Draw: England get tough group<\/p>\n Each of the six pools\u00a0featured\u00a0a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.<\/p>\n The confirmed Bands based on rankings\u00a0were:<\/p>\n Band 1:\u00a0South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina 2027 Rugby World Cup draw:<\/p>\n Pool A<\/p>\n New Zealand\u00a0\u2013 Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ. Pool B<\/p>\n South Africa\u00a0\u2013 Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient\u2014never count them out. Pool C<\/p>\n Argentina\u00a0\u2013 Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit. CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
Band 2:\u00a0Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3:\u00a0Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4:\u00a0Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada<\/p>\n
Australia\u00a0\u2013 Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile\u00a0\u2013 Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China\u00a0\u2013 Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.<\/p>\n
Italy\u00a0\u2013 Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia\u00a0\u2013 Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania\u00a0\u2013 Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.<\/p>\n
Fiji\u00a0\u2013 Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain\u00a0\u2013 Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada\u00a0\u2013 Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.<\/p>\n