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 set to unveil Marcell Coetzee as belated festive gift
Marcell Coetzee is set to be unveiled as the Bulls’ latest signing in what they have described as their ‘biggest festive gift’.
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 set to be unveiled as the Bulls’ latest signing on Monday in what the Pretoria franchise has described as their ‘biggest festive gift’.
COETZEE HAS BEEN ON THE BULLS’ RADAR
Marcell Coetzee is known to have been on the Bulls and coach Jake White’s radar for some time and the Springbok loose forward appears set to make the move to Pretoria from Ulster.
Coetzee has been a revelation at the Irish side and recently picked up three awards at Ulster’s virtual awards ceremony.
His performances in the 2019/20 season – during which he made 506 run metres, 273 carries, 199 tackles and 19 turnovers in 28 appearances – were recognised at the club’s annual ceremony.
Coetzee, still only 29, was named the Ulster Supporters’ Club Player of the Season, won the Rugby Writers’ Player of the Year gong and was voted Ulster’s Personality of the Year.
On Christmas day, the Bulls tweeted a teaser post on social media, drawing attention to the announcement on Monday at 10:00.
Although the head of the player featured has been blocked out, it’s easily identifiable as Coetzee playing against Argentina.
It’s expected that Coetzee will link up with the Bulls ahead of their entry into the PRO16 next year, although it’s unlikely he’ll be available for the new Rainbow Cup set to make it’s debut in March 2021.
COETZEE HAS PREVIOUSLY PLAYED FOR THE SHARKS
Coetzee has represented the Sharks at both Currie Cup (24 matches) and Super Rugby (74 matches) level.
He also has 30 Springbok caps to his name, the last of which came back in August 2019, prior to the Springboks departing for last year’s Rugby World Cup.
Although he didn’t need to return to South Africa in order to compete for a Springbok spot in next year’s British & Irish Lions series, it won’t hurt his chances of selection to be back in the country.
Coetzee will face a tough task should he wish to force his way into the current starting loose trio of skipper Siya Kolisi, flank and reigning World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit and No 8 Duane Vermeulen.
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