Ulster's Marcell Coetzee avoids ACL tear on left knee
Thursday 23 March 2017 11:42, UK
Ulster have confirmed Marcell Coetzee has avoided an ACL tear after the South African underwent exploratory surgery on the left knee injury he sustained against Zebre on March 11.
Though the No 8 will miss the rest of the season, it is good news for Ulster who feared he had re-torn the ACL he damaged while playing for the Sharks in Super Rugby in April 2016.
The surgery, which took place in Belfast on Wednesday, confirmed Coetzee sustained a significant medical meniscal (cartilage) tear, which has now been successfully repaired.
Ulster are now hoping the 25-year-old, who has been capped 28 times for the Springboks, will be ready to return to action in four months, meaning he will be ready to participate in pre-season training for next season.
Ulster's director of rugby, Les Kiss, welcomed the update: "It really is fantastic news. I think most people were fearing the worst, that Marcell had ruptured his cruciate ligament once again, so it's great to hear that he will be back sooner than we initially expected.
"He has had a tremendous impact since he joined the club, not only on the pitch, but also on the training paddock with his huge work ethic and infectious positive attitude.
"It's a great boost for the club, the supporters and most importantly Marcell himself, that we will see him back in an Ulster jersey at the start of next season.
"I have spoken to Marcell and he's really pleased with the prognosis. He is extremely grateful for the care he received from the Ulster Rugby medical team and the staff at the Ulster Independent Clinic, plus for all the messages of support he has received from the Ulster fans.
"I know from the way he faced the challenge of his previous rehab that he will be back even better than before."
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