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Kriel: Gloucester rumours out of touch

It was reported at the weekend that Lions standout loose forward Jaco Kriel is linked with a move to Gloucester in the Premiership.

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The Rugby Paper reported that the flank penned a three-year deal with the Cherry and Whites.

However, the Kriel camp dismissed the reports as inaccurate.

While Kriel did not respond to request for reaction, his management agency, In Touch Sports, described it as "simply media speculation"

"@jacok6 has not signed for @gloucesterrugby," a statement on social media said, adding: "He is signed & committed to @LionsRugbyCo for Super Rugby.

"Will only make a decision on his future in March after consulting with Lions."

Kriel has only played 11 Tests for the Boks, and therefore would not meet the 30-cap eligibility ruling should he become an overseas-based player.

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That would rule him out of contention for the 2019 World Cup.

Kriel signed a two year deal with the Kubota Spears in June, which allows him to play Super Rugby for the Lions and then the shorter end of the season with the Japanese side.

The 184cm, 100kg Kriel was part of the team that defeated France 3-0 in the mid-year test series in 2017.

Following the series, Kriel took over as captain of the Lions for the rest of the 2017 Super Rugby season after regular captain Warren Whiteley was injured during the test series against the French.

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Kriel was then ruled out for the rest of 2017 following a shoulder injury at training prior to the first Test against New Zealand.

Current Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann was the Lions' head coach before he joined the English Premiership outfit at the end of this year's Super Rugby season.

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