Marcell Coetzee granted early release by Ulster

Ulster have confirmed that South Africa international Marcell Coetzee has been released from his contract early.

Coetzee joined Ulster in 2016 and has made 57 appearances for the club since then scoring 15 tries but is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

With his contract with the Irish province originally ending in April, Ulster have agreed to release the 29-year-old early as he is set to return home to join Bulls after signing a three-year deal with the club.

“We have come to an agreement that will allow Marcell the time and space required to continue his rehab," said Ulster Head of Rugby Operations and Recruitment Bryn Cunningham.

“I’d like to thank Marcell for his contribution to the province over the past five years and we wish him and wife, Chanelle the very best for their upcoming return home to South Africa.”

Coetzee has played 30 Tests for the Springboks since his international debut in 2012 and has the experience of playing for Sharks and Honda Heat before joining Ulster.

Ulster finished second in Conference A of the Pro14 table with 14 wins in 16 games while they will lock horns with Leicester Tigers in the semi-final of the European Challenge Cup in the first week of May.