South African Super Rugby side, Vodacom Bulls are reported to being trying to coax Ulster star Marcell Cotezee back to South Africa.
SARugbyMag are reporting that the Bulls will be in contact with Coetzee’s agent to guage if the Springbok would be interested in a move to Pretoria.
Coetzee has been in firing form for Ulster since his return from 2 successive knee injuries. His form has seen him rewarded with a nomination for European Player of the Year.
His return to play and form saw Coetzee earn himself a recall to the Springbok squad last year, but an injury in the warm-up fixture against Argentina prevented any involvement in the 2019 World Cup squad.
It will be an exceptionally tough task for the Bulls to orchestrate a move for Coetzee who just last year signed a new 3 year deal with Ulster that links him with the Irish Province until 2022.
“First of all, I want to thank the players, staff and supporters of Ulster Rugby for standing by my side over the past three seasons. It was a really tough mental and physical battle for me with the injuries, but I’m grateful for the support I had during that time and I’m determined to repay the faith shown in me.
“I can’t wait to see what the next three years holds for me and my wife personally, and for the club. We have a young, hungry squad that is clearly moving in the right direction under our coaching team. We have a lot of hard work to do, but I know that the entire organisation is focused on delivering success.â€?MARCElL COETZEE -FEB 2019
Commenting on the deal, McFarland said:
“Marcell has been phenomenal for us this season and it’s a massive boost for us that he has chosen to remain at the club, even with significant interest from other clubs.
“He’s been through some difficult times since he arrived here and I’m delighted that he’s got a good run of games and performed at the level we know he’s capable of. At 27 years of age, we believe we are yet to witness some of his best rugby.
“Marcell provides real presence both on and off the field, and is an example of what determination and persistence can achieve. His influence and knowledge as an experienced international player has been great for our young players and he will continue to play a key role in helping to develop our indigenous forwards.�
Chief Executive, Jonny Petrie, added:
“To me, this is a big statement of intent and it’s a great endorsement of the rugby programme that we have in place under Dan.
“We’re an ambitious club and it’s encouraging that players of the calibre of Marcell want to be part of our future plans, which I believe to be hugely exciting.
“I’d like to thank Bryn (Cunningham, Operations Director) for his excellent, ongoing work in terms of our recruitment and retention. With the continued investment in the development of our existing young players, supplemented by overseas players, our squad depth for next season will be stronger. Our long-term succession planning is also starting to take shape and that is critical for the sustainable success of the organisation.�
No-one would blame the Bulls for trying to land the signature of one of the most explosive ball carrying 8’s in the world but it does seem unlikely considering Coetzee still has over 2 years remaining on his current contract.
They won’t be short of options at 8 after announcing that World Cup winner, Duane Vermeulen will be rejoining the side in June.
