'I think I'd definitely say yes': Campbell Ridl open to Test allegiance switch

Exeter Chiefs’ newest wing sensation, London-born Campbell Ridl, admits that he would find it difficult to say no to England coach Steve Borthwick despite being raised in South Africa.

England under-20 international Ridl, 21, whose parents are South African, has scored hat-tricks in successive Prem Rugby Cup wins over Bristol Bears and Gloucester.

The 6’5 speedster was a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks academy before moving to Devon to study at Exeter University. He scored against the Bears on his debut in the Prem Cup in November, to start a roller coaster ride.

Ridl, who was sent off against Bath in January for taking out Henry Arundell in the air, says that he would find it difficult to turn down the chance of wearing the Red Rose if the call came from Borthwick.

“I think I’d definitely say yes. I couldn’t turn that opportunity down. South Africa is always at the back of my mind, but I think England right now are playing really good rugby, and the PREM is really top-notch.

“And I’m definitely really happy, and it definitely would improve my game if I stayed. I played against my friends when I played against South Africa in the Junior World Cup.

“And it was a pretty weird feeling, and when England play South Africa, I don’t know who I’d support, I guess it would depend on the colour of the shirt I was wearing.

“But I think there was so much motivation to play hard and try to beat them because it’s obviously some of my friends there. But it would be pretty interesting to play in a test match against them. Interesting but pretty daunting,” he said.

Ridl, who has scored nine tries in nine games for the Chiefs this season, has got another year left to run on his Chiefs contract and says that at some point he wants to go back to play in South Africa.

“I think towards the end of my career, I definitely want to head back to South Africa, but right now, I’m really happy where I am.

“When I first came here, I definitely felt more South African, but I think the more I hang out with English people, the more I start taking to their ways and speaking a little bit like them.

“But I guess the one thing that my parents say is just always remember your roots, really. I mean, I was obviously born in London, but I guess I could say I am South African.

“Obviously, it’s coming towards the end of my contract. So, I’m going to have to start making decisions soon,” he told RugbyPass.