I’LL GET MY COET

ULSTER Rugby chief executive Jonny Petrie has claimed star player Marcell Coetzee’s imminent departure is “very much against the wishes” of the club.

Dan Mcfarland’s men have been rocked by Coetzee’s (right) decision to return to his native South Africa at the end of the season, with the Bulls set to confirm his signing tomorrow.

It is a hammer blow to lose one of the most dynamic No.8s in European rugby and a player who leads the PRO14 stats on carries (98), successful carries (54) and offloads (16). Coetzee also sits at the top of

the try scoring list having touched down eight times in seven PRO14 games for Ulster since October.

On his Twitter feed, Petrie said he was “deeply frustrated” by developments and claimed the move was driven by the player and Bulls.

Ulster said the 29-year-old had “expressed a strong desire to remain in South Africa” after returning home during the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement added: “On return to Belfast, the back row remained committed to finding a route home at the conclusion of his fifth season at Kingspan Stadium.”

On social media, Petrie wrote: “Deeply frustrated by this whole situation. Came about very much against our wishes and we’ve had no option but to end up where we are.

“Nothing to do with the IRFU or finances - entirely player (and Bulls) driven. Very disappointing, but we move on. It doesn’t alter our course one bit.”

It is hoped the terms agreed for Coetzee’s release a year ahead of the expiry of his contract will aid Ulster’s bid to find a replacement, albeit in a difficult market during a global pandemic.

Confirming his decision, Coetzee said: “It all started during lockdown when I was back home for four months.

“My wife and I did a lot of thinking together about life and we also reflected on where I am in my career.

“Ultimately we miss home, the South African culture and way of life – and after five seasons the longing for home has just caught up with us.”