Meet 'the Ostrich' - Exeter's flying wing from out of Africa

Meet 'the Ostrich' - Exeter's flying wing from out of AfricaImage source, Rex FeaturesImage caption, Ridl scored the final try in Exeter's 35-12 win over Bath at Sandy Park last monthByMike HensonBBC Sport rugby union news reporterPublished11 minutes ago3 CommentsEvery summer, Exeter Chiefs players write down personal goals for the campaign to come and beyond.Last year, Campbell Ridl, who had spent the previous season playing for Exeter University, aimed high."This season, I wanted a cap for the Chiefs first team," the 21-year-old tells BBC Sport."Longer term, beyond that, the goal was to be part of the matchday 23 every week."I thought those longer goals would be coming in a few years..."That last line comes with an incredulous chuckle.Ridl has exceeded all expectations, including his own.The 21-year-old wing has been a breakout star in Exeter's renaissance, running in 16 tries in 22 matches this term. On Sunday, he starts in a mammoth Prem semi-final against reigning champions Bath."I have been very shocked and surprised by these past few months," he adds. "And extremely grateful."Ridl's pre-season goal may seem modest now, but it was understandable considering Exeter's talent out wide.Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is England's best wing. Paul Brown-Bampoe is one of the country's most promising. Olly Woodburn is second on the club's all-time try-scoring list.In some ways, Ridl has been fortunate.Injuries to Feyi-Waboso and Brown-Bampoe opened a route to his sought-after Exeter debut.But he has taken his chance and run with it.Ridl's form has been so hot that, at times, it has consigned Brown-Bampoe to the bench. Woodburn has reinvented himself as a full-back to make space in the back three.Woodburn, 34 and in his 11th season at Sandy Park, is something of a mentor."I speak to him after training and games and he's been talking me through his experience and insights...