'One of a kind' Marcell Coetzee will be impossible for Ulster to replace

Former Ulster fly-half Ian Humphreys says Marcell Coetzee will be "virtually impossible" for the province to replace.
Marcell CoetzeeMarcell Coetzee
Marcell Coetzee

Ulster Rugby confirmed on Saturday that they had reached an agreement to allow the player to return home to South Africa at the end of the 2020/21 season.

Having returned home during the first lockdown period in the summer, the 29-year-old expressed a strong desire to remain in South Africa amidst the ongoing uncertainty around the Coronavirus pandemic.

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On return to Belfast, the back-row remained committed to finding a route home at the conclusion of his fifth season at Kingspan Stadium and looks set to join South African franchise the Bulls.

The move is expected to be confirmed on Monday but the South African thanked Ulster for everything they have done for him since joining from the Sharks in 2016.

“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,” he said.

His departure will leave a massive void having become one of the province's most influential players

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Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Sportsound programme Humphreys said Coetzee is "one of a kind".

"It's very disappointing for Ulster because Marcell really is one of a kind," he said.

"In terms of ball carrying, you get a couple of guys like that but the fact that he was there every ball carry. Available, wanting to carry, so aggressive, so fit.

"I don't envy (Operations Director) Bryn Cunningham trying to find that replacement."

Head Coach Dan McFarland paid tribute to the back row.

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He said: “Marcell has been a great performer for us on and off the field and I’m sure he will continue to bring his high-performance standards through until June.

“We have a talented squad that is growing in experience. We are looking to supplement and support that talent, particularly in the forwards, in line with our ambition to consistently compete for championships.”

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