A potential tug-of-war is brewing over a standout young South African winger who has made headlines after a brilliant solo try for the Exeter Chiefs.
Former Michaelhouse pupil Campbell Ridl, 20, scored for Exeter against the Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership. He played for England U20 last year.
According to Netwerk24, his parents are South Africans who met in England and Campbell was born there in 2005, although the family returned to South Africa when he was very young.
Campbell and his younger brother William, who is currently starring for Michaelhouse and has signed for the Sharks, both hold South African and British citizenship.
What a sensational chip and chase from Campbell Ridl 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/aQh7riTr0p
— PREM Rugby (@premrugby) December 28, 2025
A multi-talented sportsman, Campbell is 1.95m tall and weighs 96kg. He currently plays on the wing but is actually an outside centre, and according to Dave Walder, Exeter’s attack coach, will get the opportunity in midfield in the Premiership this season.
Campbell moved to England in 2023 to study marketing and play rugby after matriculating, but his start at Exeter was hampered by a broken hand suffered in a pre-season game. He made his debut against Saracens in December and then came that try against Leicester.
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Campbell has starred for England’s juniors and has said that the focus on more expansive rugby compared to South Africa appeals to him.
“It’s good to experience the different perspectives of the two rugby countries. It’s quite different. We’ll see what happens in the future, I don’t know yet. But hopefully I can stay here,” Campbell told Ruck.co.za in early 2025.
According to James Fleming, his 1st XV coach at Michaelhouse, “Campbell has everything it takes to reach the highest level of sport in his rugby career. He is blessed with incredible athletic ability and reflexes for such a big guy. He has amazing hand- eye coordination and the ability to see and exploit opportunities.”
“I hope he plays for the Boks one day, but I’m still very proud of him.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
