Ulster have had a tough time of injuries this season. From the long term absentees like Iain Henderson, Tommy Bowe, or Dan Tuohy - there was a period during their season when their injury update had 12 players mentioned - without referencing those out for a long time.
Now they can add another injury to the long-term absentee list - one that hasn't even arrived in Belfast yet.
Ulster made waves announcing the signing of Springbok Marcell Coetzee in early February on a three-year-deal. Coetzee is a world class player, and strengthens a perceived weakness in the Ulster team. He was expected to arrive in Belfast at the conclusion of the Super Rugby season - but Ulster fans may have to wait until 2017 before they see their new star.
Coetzee left the field on a stretcher in the Sharks loss to the Lions yesterday, and there are now fears that has suffered a serious knee injury that will rule him out of action for nine months. A scan in the coming days should confirm the worst.
The Springbok has been pulled from the Sharks squad for their New Zealand tour, and it looks likely that he has played his last game for the Sharks.
See Also: Ulster Really Shake Things Up With Confirmation Of Springbok Arrival
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
