England U20 star Campbell Ridl explains why he chose England over South Africa 

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Having come through the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks academy before moving to Exeter Chiefs for university related reasons, it has been a unique career so far for young Ridl, who recently turned 20-years-old.

He scored a try in the first few minutes of his debut and looked confident throughout, but it was a nervy week for the centre after he was told that he would be selected to represent at U20 Test level:

“The nerves definitely were huge when I got told. So, I locked in for the days after that, focused on all these little extras that I needed to do, and I think just showed them the game.”

It was a perfect start for the Chiefs player, who took only five minutes to cross the try line for his maiden score. He spoke about the feeling when he broke free to open the scoring:

“I mean, I can barely remember it, but just all the lads around me in front of a packed Kingston Park. It was unreal. I mean, after a lot of congratulations and everything. So, definitely one for the books.”

Studying marketing at Exeter University, it may seem like a tough ask being able to balance both studies and playing at the top level of rugby. Ridl spoke on the benefits of being a student while playing:

“I think it just gives me an essence of discipline, consistency. I think without having to think about other things. I can get out of rugby a little bit, study and make friends at the university.”

Despite playing in the England youth set up, he was raised in South Africa and recieved most of his rugby education there, as well as having two South African parents. The centre explained his link to England and why he is eligible:

“Both my parents are South African, but they met up in London, and then they had me in London, and then I moved over when I was really young, back to South Africa.”

Ridl talked through his reasoning behind the move back to England:

“I was looking to come over to Exeter Uni, and I think the Chiefs were also looking at me. And I think that I got a really good deal with the union and the Chiefs and then hopefully getting into the England team.”

Having received rugby education from two completely different countries and cultures, he offered his view on the differences between both, and the benefits that having different styles coached has had on him as a player.

“I think South Africa are definitely forward heavy and stuff. But at England Under 20s, I'm playing a lot of running rugby, and I’ve really enjoyed it so much, I think I've learned so much more than I would have in South Africa.

“It's good to see a different perspective on the two, on the two rugby styles. Because it is quite different. We'll see what happens in the future, I don't know. But hopefully I can stay here.”

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