Springboks back row Marcell Coetzee agrees Ulster move
Thursday 11 February 2016 16:55, UK
South Africa international Marcell Coetzee will join Ulster at the end of the season on a three-year contract.
The Sharks back row, who has won 28 caps for the Springboks and scored six tries, will move to Belfast following the conclusion of the 2016 Super Rugby campaign.
Coetzee claims the Non-Irish Qualified (NIQ) spot that will be vacated by Nick Williams when he joins Cardiff Blues in the summer.
"It is a major coup for us to sign a player of Marcell's quality and experience," said Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss.
"His age profile, positional versatility, leadership ability and character were some of the key ingredients as to why he was such an important target for us.
"He has played most of his international rugby between six and seven, but he has also played a huge amount at No 8, where we feel he could have a big impact for Ulster.
"That versatility is absolutely vital for us, as not only can Marcell be hugely effective across the three positions, but this can also accommodate the development of a number of our home-grown Irish-qualified players."
Coetzee, 24, has made 68 appearances for the Sharks since his debut in 2011 and was named captain for their pre-season friendly against Toulouse on Thursday.
As well as Coetzee, All Black Charles Piutau, Ireland prop Rodney Ah You and England U20 lock Kieran Treadwell will all join the Irish province at the end of the season.
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