Ulster holding breath as Coetzee has knee op
Extent of injury will be known later
The full extent of Marcell Coetzee’s knee injury will be revealed later.
The Ulster flanker is having exploratory surgery today amid fears he could be out with another serious cruciate problem.
An ACL injury kept him out for nine months and the South African star has hurt the same knee.
Director of Rugby Les Kiss told Downtown & Cool FM that it was fortunate for Ulster, back in PRO 12 action on Friday, that there is plenty of back row cover.
“An unsung hero in Clive Ross who just keeps putting in good performances,” he said
“Sean (Reidy) and Chris (Henry) combined well throughout the year and now we’ve got Hendy (Iain Henderson) back as well and he will be coming back into the fray.”
Meanwhile, Ulster’s Rory Best may have to battle it out with his Home Nation counterparts for the chance to captain the British and Irish Lions on their summer tour.
Coach Eddie Jones says one skipper from all four national teams could form a leadership group.
The stand-out player from the warm-up games could then be captain for the first Test.