Marcell Coetzee set for early release from Ulster contract
- 2011
Springbok flanker Marcell Coetzee is due to team up with the Bulls in Pretoria from July, however, it is understood that he has been granted an early release from his current contract with northern Irish club Ulster.
The premature departure has been influenced by a thigh injury the 29 year-old sustained earlier this year.
Over the past five years, Coetzee has notched up 57 caps for Ulster while also managing to score 15 tries in the process.
Ulster's Head of Rugby Operations and Recruitment, Bryn Cunningham, said: “We have come to an agreement that will allow Marcell the time and space required to continue his rehab.
“I’d like to thank Marcell for his contribution to the province over the past five years and we wish him and wife, Chanelle, the very best for their upcoming return home to South Africa.”
At the time of Coetzee putting pen to paper with the Bulls, he explained his decision to return home to South Africa as follows:
“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.
“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.”
