Lions flank Jaco Kriel will play for the Kubota Spears during the 2016-17 Top League season.

The club announced the signing of Kriel and Stormers scrumhalf Louis Schreuder on Tuesday.

Kriel's two-year deal with Kubota will allow him to return to the Lions for Super Rugby.

'I am looking forward to the opportunity of living and playing abroad and bringing back new ideas to my Lions teammates, which has successfully been done by Elton [Jantjies], Lionel [Mapoe] and Warwick [Tecklenburg] in the past,' said Kriel in a statement. 'I feel I can contribute immensely and I really look forward to the challenge. Kubota has established an exciting team of players and coaches for this season and I am excited to be part of this new chapter.'

Kriel was named in the 31-man Springbok squad for the three-Test series against Ireland and could make his debut at Newlands on 11 June.

Photo: Anne Laing/HSM Images