ACHIEVEMENTS & MILESTONES
Discover the remarkable achievements of our featured athletes. From record-breaking performances to prestigious awards, each milestone tells a story of dedication and perseverance.
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England U/19 Rugby
2024
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England U/20 Rugby
2025
POSITION:
Centre
CLUB TEAM:
Exeter Chiefs (England)
HOMETOWN:
Exeter
DOB:
February 2, 2005
CATEGORY:
Young Guns
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
Campbell Ridl's rugby journey is a compelling tale of transcontinental roots, youthful promise, and rapid ascent in the sport's competitive echelons, blending the raw physicality of South African rugby with the expansive, running game of English pathways.
Ridl's formative years unfolded at the prestigious Michaelhouse School in the Natal Midlands, a cradle for South African rugby talent, where he honed his skills amid the province's forward-dominant, attritional style. Progressing through the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks academy in Durban, he embodied the tenacity and power associated with Springboks rugby, building a foundation that emphasized physicality and breakdown battles. Yet, Ridl's dual heritage—British by birth, South African by upbringing—presented a crossroads. This decision crystallized in early 2023, when, at just 18, he crossed the equator once more to join Exeter Chiefs, the Gallagher Premiership powerhouse known for nurturing young talent alongside academic pursuits.
Eligible to represent either nation, he chose to align with England, drawn by opportunity and a stylistic affinity for the more fluid, attacking rugby prevalent in the northern hemisphere.
Enrolling at the University of Exeter to study Marketing and Management, Ridl struck a rare balance between the demands of elite sport and higher education, crediting the Chiefs' supportive environment for fostering discipline and consistency in his routine. "It gives me an essence of discipline," he reflected, allowing him to step away from the pitch to forge university friendships and intellectual growth. On the field, his adaptation was swift and seamless. Debuting for the Chiefs' academy sides, he amassed over 20 appearances for the University of Exeter in BUCS Super Rugby and National League 2 West, showcasing his versatility and explosive carrying ability. His performances caught the eye of the Rugby Football Union, leading to his progression from the England U19 program in 2024 to the U20s setup, where he has since become a fixture.
Ridl's international breakthrough came during the 2025 U20 Six Nations, a tournament that highlighted his maturation. Making his debut against Scotland, the lanky back crossed for a try in a commanding victory.
Ridl's formative years unfolded at the prestigious Michaelhouse School in the Natal Midlands, a cradle for South African rugby talent, where he honed his skills amid the province's forward-dominant, attritional style. Progressing through the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks academy in Durban, he embodied the tenacity and power associated with Springboks rugby, building a foundation that emphasized physicality and breakdown battles. Yet, Ridl's dual heritage—British by birth, South African by upbringing—presented a crossroads. This decision crystallized in early 2023, when, at just 18, he crossed the equator once more to join Exeter Chiefs, the Gallagher Premiership powerhouse known for nurturing young talent alongside academic pursuits.
Eligible to represent either nation, he chose to align with England, drawn by opportunity and a stylistic affinity for the more fluid, attacking rugby prevalent in the northern hemisphere.
Enrolling at the University of Exeter to study Marketing and Management, Ridl struck a rare balance between the demands of elite sport and higher education, crediting the Chiefs' supportive environment for fostering discipline and consistency in his routine. "It gives me an essence of discipline," he reflected, allowing him to step away from the pitch to forge university friendships and intellectual growth. On the field, his adaptation was swift and seamless. Debuting for the Chiefs' academy sides, he amassed over 20 appearances for the University of Exeter in BUCS Super Rugby and National League 2 West, showcasing his versatility and explosive carrying ability. His performances caught the eye of the Rugby Football Union, leading to his progression from the England U19 program in 2024 to the U20s setup, where he has since become a fixture.
Ridl's international breakthrough came during the 2025 U20 Six Nations, a tournament that highlighted his maturation. Making his debut against Scotland, the lanky back crossed for a try in a commanding victory.
