Richard Kriel

Richard Kriel is a utility back who has become a reliable presence for the Emirates Lions in the United Rugby Championship. Born on 7 July 2000, the South African is comfortable across the back line, having featured on the wing, at centre and at fullback during his time in Johannesburg. His versatility, pace and defensive reliability have made him a valuable member of the Lions squad, and in May 2026 he reached the milestone of 50 appearances for the union — a marker of the consistency he has shown since establishing himself in the senior set-up. More recently he has been deployed in midfield, forming part of the Lions' centre rotation. Kriel comes from a rugby family; his brother David Kriel is a centre who has earned international recognition with the Bulls. While Richard has not been capped at senior international level, his steady contribution and adaptability give the Lions a dependable option across multiple positions in the back division. As the team continues to compete in the URC, Kriel's experience and willingness to fill several roles make him an asset, and he remains an established figure in a squad that places a premium on the kind of flexibility he provides.