Ulster Rugby today announced that Springbok backrower Marcell Coetzee has signed a
This news will be a massive boost to the Irish reward province who have reaped the benefits of having the huge powerful
Commenting on the deal Coetzee said;
“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.”
The 28-capped Springbok has been massive for Ulster in this season’s European and domestic campaigns to date.
Coetzee has had a very frustrating start to his Ulster career. He joined Ulster in 2016-17, and while he made a huge impression at the start of his first year, he was sidelined after just four games suffering an ACL injury.
He returned the following season 2017/18, but made only one appearance before suffering another similar knee injury.
It was thought at one stage the 27-year-old may have to consider retirement, but he had made a successful return to play this season playing in 17 out of 20 games and racking up some impressive stats in the process.
His ball carrying ability has been at the fore averaging 12.5 carries a game and he has been Ulster’s most successful man at the breakdown with 25 turnovers. His defensive efforts have also been impressive with 212 tackles made across his 17 appearances.
There was speculation Coetzee may leave the Province at the end of this season when his contract expired with suitors in France and also his native South Africa apparently keen for his signature, but he has remained loyal to a club who stuck by him in his tough times as he recovered from 2 massive injury setbacks.
In a recent interview, Coetzee said he was cherishing every moment when he was playing now.
“That is one thing I have learned from being injured – it is important to enjoy every moment when I play,” he said.
