Marcell Coetzee is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a 'significant' knee injury with Ulster, which could throw his Springbok future into jeopardy.

Although Ulster have yet to confirm the severity of the injury and length of time he is expected to be out of the game, they did confirm that Coetzee will undergo exploratory surgery next week and that the injury was a significant one.

According to Netwerk24, the 28-cap Springbok is likely to be sidelined for nine months, with the loose forward having only recently returned to action after a long time out of the game with the same injury.

It would be particularly bad news for Coetzee, who was expected to feature for the Boks against France in June in order to reach the 30-cap eligibility ruling for foreign-based players going forward.

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Photo: Ulster Rugby