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Marcell Coetzee in action for Ulster.
Athena Pictures / Getty Images
- Marcell Coetzee will end a fantastic year of signing for the Bulls when he is introduced on Monday.
- The 29-year-old Springbok loose forward has been on the franchise’s radar for most of the year and this new chapter is expected to begin at the end of the current PRO14 campaign.
- His signing is understood to be part of the Bulls’ plan to make an immediate impact in Europe next year.
The Bulls will end a year of imposing new signings by introducing Marcell Coetzee as the latest big name to join the Jake White revolution at Loftus on Monday.
The 29-year-old loose forward has been on the franchise’s radar for most of the year and is expected to begin this new chapter of his career as the current PRO14 season ends.
Coetzee has been outstanding once again for the Irish giants Ulster, having made the most carries to date in the tournament (98), dumps (16) and also ranking in the top ten for tackles completed (77).
After an injury-devastated start to life in Belfast, he re-entered the Springbok contest last year, earning a contract extension at the beginning of the previous season.
Sport24 However, he has reliably learned that the Bulls purchased Coetzee outside of the final year of his contract, allowing him to join in time for the entry of the South African Super Rugby franchises into the expanded PRO16, which is expected to start in September 2021.
According to an insider, Springbok’s acquisition of 30 capitals exemplifies Blue Bulls Company’s resolve to invest in the senior team despite tough economic conditions.
“In this time of austerity, we have decided to give ourselves the best opportunity to make an immediate impact on PRO Rugby by actively recruiting a proven world-class player,” said the source.
Given the significant doubts that a large part of the local rugby community still have about the impact of franchises not playing Super Rugby in the future, instant success in Europe for South Africa is essential.
Last month, White was decidedly tempted by the possible arrival of Coetzee, not saying the wing was on its way, but admitting that he has been in constant contact with him.
“I talk to Marcell as often as I can. I ask him what it’s like to play in Europe and how it’s going in Ulster,” the Bulls’ rugby director said at the time.
Coetzee would also fit in with the flexible forward model adopted by White, who has placed great importance on including flanks in the mix that can play at all three positions.
The Bulls are also speculated to have blinked in the direction of Springboks running back Johan Goosen, currently signed by French Montpellier.
