Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee to join Japanese club Kobe Steelers

Japanese club Kobe Steelers have announced the signing of South Africa international and Bulls skipper Marcell Coetzee ahead of the upcoming season of Japan League One campaign.

Having made his professional rugby debut with Sharks in 2011, Coetzee already had a stint in Japan when he played for Honda Heat in 2015. He made a switch to Irish province Ulster ahead of the 2016/17 before heading back to South Africa in 2021 when he joined Bulls.

According to reports, it is understood that the 31-year-old has agreed a new contract with Bulls that will also see him head to Japan.

Even though the term of his contract with Steelers is yet to be revealed, Coetzee is expected to miss most of the Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship games with Bulls.

“I am looking forward to playing in League One as a member of the Kobelco Kobe Steelers and meeting the fans at the stadium,” Coetzee said.

” I will do everything in my power to help the Kobe Steelers win the championship. My family and I are looking forward to new life and new encounters in Japan.”

The upcoming season of Japan League One campaign will be played between 18th December and 23rd April.