Marcell Coetzee Extends Ulster Stay

Ulster have been handed a major boost with Springbok back-rower Marcell Coetzee signing a new three-year deal with the Irish province.

Coetzee's first two campaigns at Ulster were badly affected by knee injuries but the province's fans have seen the best of the flanker, 27, this season.

His form has helped the province reach the European Champions Cup knockout stages for the first time since 2014.

After agreeing to join Ulster for the 2016-17 season, Coetzee's Ulster debut was delayed until February 2017 by a knee injury that he sustained in his final season with the Sharks.

However, the South African suffered a further knee setback only four games into his Ulster career which ruled him out of the remainder of his first season with the province.

Coetzee won the last of the 28 South Africa caps in 2015 although he has spoken of his desire to wear the Springboks jersey again at some time in the future.

Rumours in the Republic suggest the flanker is on Rassie Erasmus' radar for his 2019 Rugby World Cup squad.