Marcell under injury cloud

Bok flank Marcell Coetzee suffered yet another knee injury during Ulster's 68-21 win against Zebre on Saturday.

Coetzee had joined Ulster in 2016, but only made his debut for the Irish club last month after he was sidelined with a long-term knee injury.

On Saturday, Coetzee lasted 18 minutes before he limped off the field. It is understood the 25-year-old twisted his knee, but it is not clear whether it is the same knee that kept him out of action for the past nine months.

Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss said he was waiting for feedback from the medical team regarding Coetzee's injury.

'There’s a little bit of concern about the knee. I went to see him and I just shook his hand. I couldn’t chat in detail. Hopefully, touch wood, it’s all good,' said Kiss.

'He was a bit down. That was the big emotion from him, but we’ll just have to see how the scans go on Monday.'

The latest injury setback could have a huge impact on Coetzee's international career, after SA Rugby announced that only overseas-based Springboks with more than 30 Test caps will be eligible for national selection as of 1 July.

Coetzee has 28 Test caps and it was hoped that he would play against France in June to get to the 30-Test mark before the new player-policy comes into effect. If he is ruled out for a period beyond the June Test series, Coetzee will not be eligible for Springbok selection unless he returns to play in South Africa.

Photo: Ulster

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