Marcell Coetzee says he is positive that he will be available to play for the Springboks against the British & Irish Lions despite suffering a thigh injury.

Coetzee injured his thigh while on duty for Ulster in their PRO14 derby against Leinster last weekend. The injury is expected to keep the him out for up to three months, putting him in a race against time to be fit for the Lions series.

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The 29-year-old has been incredibly unlucky with injuries over the last few year, missing out on a place in the Springboks’ squad for the 2019 World Cup after being sidelined by an ankle injury.

However, as a positive, Coetzee’s latest setback will not require an operation, meaning that there is a chance he could still prove his fitness in the Rainbow Cup.

‘This is obviously not something that someone wants to overcome,’ Coetzee told Sunday newspaper Rapport. ‘But I am very positive that I will be ready by mid-June, depending on how the recovery process goes.

‘I will play a few games in the Rainbow Cup. That way I can throw my name into the hat [for Springbok selection].

‘I have had a similar injury to my left leg. With good rehabilitation and rest, it will recover nicely.’

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