Ulster flank Marcell Coetzee says he still hopes to be a part of the Springboks’ World Cup plans despite receiving no contact from Rassie Erasmus.

The former Sharks forward has enjoyed something of a renaissance since recovering from the knee injuries that decimated the early parts of his Ulster career.

Coetzee managed just five appearances in his first two years with Ulster, but has played 21 times this season, helping them to the Pro14 playoffs.

When asked whether or not Erasmus had been in contact, Coetzee said ‘unfortunately not’.

‘If I understand the structures there, they are going to go with the players they have now and back the guys they think can do the job,’ he told the Irish Examiner.

‘The short answer is no, I don’t have any contact with him, but if something were to happen to somebody I just want to make sure I’m at the peak of my form with performances and conditioning-wise, in case I’m called for it [the World Cup].’

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