Bulls have confirmed that South Africa international Marcell Coetzee will join the club ahead of the 2021 season.
The decision follows after his current club Ulster has allowed to release him from the final year of the contract which was originally set to end at the conclusion of the 2021/22 season.
The 29-year-old has already played for Sharks in Currie Cup and Super Rugby and has been associated with Ulster since 2016. He had represented the Springboks 30 times as well between 2012 and 2019.
“Marcell is a phenomenal player and any team in the world would be ecstatic to have a player of his calibre joining its structures,” said White.
“He has grown from strength to strength over the years, and is currently playing some of the best rugby of his life. He’s excited about being back in South Africa, and making Loftus his home.”
Coetzee admitted that the pandemic coronavirus situation helped him in arriving a decision to sign with Bulls.
“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,” he revealed.
“We decided to come back to Belfast with an open mind, but 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.
“I must say Ulster have been absolutely superb to me, on and off the field during my career, and I feel I have grown as a person and as a player for the experiences the club has given me. Ulster will always have a special place in the hearts of my wife and I.”
