South Africa's Marcell Coetzee ruled out of World Cup

South Africa have been dealt a major blow ahead of the upcoming World Cup campaign with Ulster forward Marcell Coetzee ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury.

The 28-year-old sustained the blow in the recently concluded encounter against Argentina in Pretoria where he was forced off the field at the end of the first quarter.

According to the reports, Coetzee is expected to be out of action for 12 weeks that effectively keeps him out of the showpiece event in Japan.

The 6ft 4in back-row has played 30 Tests for the Springboks since his debut in 2012 and has scored six tries.

South Africa will face Japan in their final warm-up game in Kumagaya on 6th September before they kick-start their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Yokohama on 21st September.