Coetzee returns to South Africa in bid to end his injury hell
ULSTER flanker Marcell Coetzee’s luckless run with injury looks set to continue after the 26-year-old returned home to South Africa for a consultation with his previous surgeon.
Following signing for Ulster, but before arriving in Belfast, the abrasive back-rower suffered an ACL tear while seeing out his final season with Super Rugby’s Sharks.
The 28-times capped Springbok did belatedly make his debut for the province back in February of last season, but sustained a different injury to the same knee after just four games.
Another spell on the sidelines followed but he seemed ready to make a huge impact during this campaign after an eye-catching display against Cheetahs.
He has not been seen since however, complaining of swelling and discomfort in the joint.
It is known that he fully expected to make his return against Dragons two weeks ago, only to again suffer a reaction in that week’s training.
With that set-back resulting in a scan early last week, it was reported on Tuesday in the Belfast Telegraph that he would be seeking the opinion of a specialist, which Ulster yesterday confirmed would be the same man who carried out the original surgery back in April of 2016.
“Due to the ongoing problems with this knee, he is travelling back to South Africa to seek the opinion of the surgeon who performed his original ACL repair,” began a short statement.
Injuries have not been much of the narrative for Ulster when compared to the likes of their European opponents Wasps, who have been forced to name a shadow side in recent weeks, and Harlequins, so light on bodies they’ve been conducting training with London Irish.
However Ulster’s injuries have frustratingly afflicted three of their leading lights — Jared Payne, Rory Best and Coetzee.
And, as seems increasingly likely, the absence of their star import for another extended spell would be a bitter pill to swallow. Arriving as a major coup, to see him restricted to just five games to date has left Ulster light in the back-row.
Ulster did add Jean Deysel, arriving after prospective signing Arno Botha had a move nixed due to concerns over knee issues.
Meanwhile, as Ulster prepare to welcome Connacht tonight, they have rung the changes from the side that lost to Zebre. Ulster: C Piutau; T Bowe, L Marshall, S McCloskey, J Stockdale; C Lealiifano, J Cooney; K McCall, R Herring, W Herbst; A O’Connor, K Treadwell; I Henderson, C Henry (capt), J Deysel. Replacements: J Andrew, A Warwick, R Ah You, R Diack, S Reidy, P Marshall, P Nelson, L Ludik