Bulls-bound Marcell Coetzee granted early release from Ulster contract

Springbok loose forward Marcell Coetzee has been granted permission for an early release from his Ulster contract.

READ | SA RUGBY PRESIDENT DENIES RAINBOW CUP HAS BEEN BOOTED INTO TOUCH

The 29-year-old, who was only due to leave the Irish club at the end of the season, is heading for the Bulls having signed a three-year deal with Jake White’s Pretoria-based team.

However, according to the Belfast Telegraph, in a statement released on Tuesday, Ulster confirmed that Marcell Coetzee will now leave on 30 April.

PICTURE | CHESLIN KOLBE HAS A SIX-PACK (MAYBE MORE) – HERE’S PROOF!

Coetzee is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury he sustained in a PRO14 match against Leinster last month and still requires several weeks of rehabilitation.

Ulster’s head of rugby operations and recruitment, Bryn Cunningham, said: ‘We have come to an agreement that will allow Marcell the time and space required to continue his rehab.’

‘I’d like to thank Marcell for his contribution to the province over the past five years and we wish him and wife, Chanelle, the very best for their upcoming return home to South Africa.’

READ | KOBUS WIESE AFTER HEART ATTACK SCARE: I’LL TRY SHED A FEW POUNDS

Coetzee joined Ulster ahead of the 2016/17 season and went on to play 57 times for the province, scoring 15 tries.

Coetzee has played 30 Tests for the Springboks and will be hoping to add to that tally against the British & Irish Lions later in the year.

READ | BRYAN HABANA SHARES SPECIAL MASTERS MEMORY WITH HIDEKI MATSUYAMA