Kriel is set to miss this season's Currie Cup campaign after signing a two-year deal with the Kubota Spears in Japan. He will leave South Africa after the current Super Rugby season and return to the Emirates Lions in time for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
He believes his move to Japan will heighten his love for the game.
“It's going to be a new challenge for me. We went to Japan on tour in the beginning of the year and I really liked the set up and how they did things. I believe something new in my career will do me good at the moment.”
The flanker says he asked some of his teammates that have played in Japan and got nothing but positive feedback.
