Springbok flank Marcell Coetzee has signed a three-year contract extension with Irish side Ulster.

The 27-year-old has endured a couple of injury-tarnished seasons since joining Ulster from the Sharks in 2016.

However, his performances in the current season have convinced the Ulster hierarchy to keep him in Belfast. Coetzee’s new contract will allow him to stay with Ulster until 2022.

Coetzee has not played for the Springboks since moving to Ireland, with the last of his 28 Test caps coming against Argentina in 2015.

‘First of all, I want to thank the players, staff and supporters of Ulster Rugby for standing by my side over the past three seasons,’ Coetzee commented.

‘It was a really tough mental and physical battle for me with the injuries, but I’m grateful for the support I had during that time, and I’m determined to repay the faith shown in me.’

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Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Getty Images