There is good reason to suggest that England – as well as South African rugby fans – will be keeping a close eye on the talents of young wing Campbell Ridl.
In time, the 20-year-old Exeter Chiefs outside back could find himself stuck in a “tug-of-war” between his South African roots and his English birthright, making him one of the most intriguing prospects for Steve Borthwick’s England squad in the coming years.
Born in Wandsworth, London in 2005, Ridl moved to South Africa as a young child and attended the prestigious Michaelhouse high school, eventually joining the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Academy.
In 2023, Ridl returned to England to study marketing at the University of Exeter while joining the Chiefs’ academy.
Talented wing being spoken of as a future England star
Standing at 6’5″ (1.95m) and weighing around 96kg, Ridl possesses the frame of a modern hybrid back. While he has primarily featured on the wing for Exeter and the England U20s, there is a feeling that outside centre will be where he is suited best.
Ridl has already made his intentions clear by representing England U20s in the 2025 Six Nations, scoring a try on his debut against Scotland.
Exeter’s Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, has been careful with Ridl’s development, noting that playing on the wing allows a young player to adapt to the speed of the Premiership before moving into the high-pressure midfield roles.
The Road Ahead
While 2026 began with a small hurdle – a 20-minute red card against Bath for a misjudged aerial challenge – the consensus among pundits is that Ridl is a “when, not if” candidate for full international honours.
Whether he ultimately commits his long-term future to England or feels the pull of the Springboks remains the big question.
Will you be keeping an eye on his progress?
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