Stormers number 8 to replace Mercer at Bath?

The recent announcement by Bath number 8 Zach Mercer that he intends to further his career with French Top 14 side Montpellier has left a void at the English club which, if rumours are to be believed, may very well be filled by current Stormers and Western Province number 8 Jaco Coetzee.

Mercer raised many eyebrows with his new choice of club as it effectively rules him out of selection into Eddie Jones’ England side as he will become a foreign-based player. However, he does still have time on his side and at the age of only 23 has already plied his trade on the international stage with two caps for England in 2018.

Coetzee has caught the eye of many over the past couple of seasons and is rising up as a strong, hard-working, typically South African number 8 with much to offer.

Born in Pretoria, the 24 year-old, 6’2, 108kg Coetzee is a former SA Schools representative and made his Super Rugby debut in 2017. Since then, he has become a regular feature for Western Province and the Stormers.