Ulster signing Marcell Coetzee ruled out for nine months

South African flanker is out for nine months after injuring knee during Sharks’ defeat

Marcell Coetzee is out for nine months with a knee injury. Photograph: Getty
Marcell Coetzee is out for nine months with a knee injury. Photograph: Getty

Ulster's new signing Marcell Coetzee has been ruled out for nine months with a knee injury.

The South African flanker was stretchered off during the Sharks’ 24-9 Super Rugby defeat to the Lions at the weekend.

And now he is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after it was confirmed he has injured his ACL.

The 24-year-old, who has 28 caps for the Springboks, signed for Ulster in February, but it now looks like might have to wait until 2017 to make his debut for the province.