South Africa eighth man Marcell Coetzee looks on during the national anthems ahead of the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup warm-up test match between South Africa and Argentina at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, on August 17, 2019. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)
Bulls-bound Marcell Coetzee suffers yet another knee injury
Marcell Coetzee is sweating on the diagnosis of his latest knee injury suffered in Ulster’s 19-13 win over Glasgow.
South Africa eighth man Marcell Coetzee looks on during the national anthems ahead of the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup warm-up test match between South Africa and Argentina at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, on August 17, 2019. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)
Marcell Coetzee is sweating on the diagnosis of his latest knee injury suffered in Ulster’s 19-13 win over Glasgow last Friday.
WATCH | DAN CARTER HIGHLIGHTS IN 33 INCREDIBLE MINUTES
Coetzee sustained the injury in the first half, but played on until he was substituted at half-time..
Coetzee will undergo scans and is expected to learn his fate early this week.
The 29-year-old will leave Ulster at the end of the PRO14 season to join the Bulls.
READ | JOOST VAN DER WESTHUIZEN REMEMBERED ON WHAT WOULD’VE BEEN HIS 50TH BIRTHDAY
He is expected to link up with the Pretoria-based team in July, but the Bulls – and potentially the Springbok coaching staff – will be concerned about the news of his latest injury.
Marcell Coetzee has penned a three-year deal with the Bulls and returns to South Africa after five seasons at Kingspan Stadium, where he quickly became a fan favourite.
The 30-Test Springbok also represented the Sharks in Super Rugby and the Currie Cup before a short stint with Honda Heat in the Japanese Top League. He then moved to Ulster.
READ | SIYA KOLISI’S REPLACEMENT AS WP CAPTAIN IDENTIFIED
“Marcell is a phenomenal player and any team in the world would be ecstatic to have a player of his calibre joining its structures,” said Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.
“He has grown from strength to strength over the years, and is currently playing some of the best rugby of his life. He’s excited about being back in South Africa, and making Loftus his home.”
READ | SPRINGBOKS V BRITISH & IRISH LIONS: SUPPORT GROWING FOR AUSTRALIA TO HOST
Marcell Coetzee said his move transpired after he flew home during the Covid-19 pandemic and realised he wanted to stay in South Africa.
“It all started during lockdown when I was back home for four months. My wife and I did a lot of thinking together about life and we also reflected on where I am in my career,” he revealed.
“We decided to come back to Belfast with an open mind, but ultimately we miss home, the South African culture and way of life – and after five seasons the longing for home has just caught up with us.
“I must say Ulster have been absolutely superb to me, on and off the field during my career, and I feel I have grown as a person and as a player for the experiences the club has given me. Ulster will always have a special place in the hearts of my wife and I.”
