“It Doesn’t Feel Real” — Coetzee Emotional Ahead Of Bulls’ Last Dance At Loftus Versfeld

Vodacom Bulls loose forward Marcell Coetzee insists a desire to honor departing stars will fuel their fifth consecutive United Rugby Championship playoff campaign, ahead of Saturday’s crucial quarterfinal clash against Munster at Loftus Versfeld.

When Coetzee returned from Ulster Rugby in 2021, he joined a youthful Bulls squad as one of only a handful of experienced players. Since then, many of those youngsters have developed into established professionals, with several becoming Springboks and senior figures within the team.

With Jake White having made way for new coach Johan Ackermann, and a number of those players set to leave at the end of the season to pursue opportunities overseas, there is a clear sense of transition at the Bulls.

For Coetzee, who has guided the team through both highs and lows and helped Ruan Nortje grow into a formidable player and captain, this period represents both a moment of reflection and an opportunity to achieve something memorable in the playoffs.

“There is a strong motivation to make these playoffs really special for the players who are leaving us, and to honour what they have contributed to Vodacom Bulls rugby history. It’s a credit to them that they want to leave on a high note as well. They are equally focused on ensuring they leave the team in a better place than when they arrived. When the purpose is bigger than the individual, then we’re in a good place,” said Coetzee ahead of their quarterfinal clash against Munster Rugby at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

Personally, Coetzee has no hesitation in describing his six years with the Bulls as the most enjoyable period of his rugby career.

“When I came back from Ulster, I joined a team full of youngsters. I also never expected to take over the captaincy when Duane Vermeulen moved on. It’s been a special journey.

“This has always been a very talented group that has already achieved a lot. But you cannot force experience — that only comes with time. I feel incredibly blessed to have been part of this journey with the team. I’ve made friends for life here.

“We’ve had our ups and downs, but that’s part of rugby. I’ve shared a long journey with Ruan, and we’ve been roommates. Then there are players like Wilco Louw, Kurt-Lee Arendse and David Kriel. David is one of my closest friends, and it still doesn’t feel real that he’s leaving.”

Coetzee admitted that representing the Bulls and captaining the side surpassed even his childhood dreams.

“I never thought this opportunity would come my way. I was always a Vodacom Bulls fan as a kid, and my biggest dream was to play for this team. Then to achieve that, and also to be given the honour of captaincy — it’s impossible to put into words how special that is.

“It comes with great responsibility because we know how passionate Bulls supporters are. But I also had a strong leadership group around me, which made a huge difference. It’s been an incredible honour.”

The Bulls now face the possibility of three playoff matches and potentially lifting the URC trophy after suffering heartbreak in three previous finals.

“We turned this season around very well. We always knew that once you secure a playoff spot, anything can happen. Every game from here is precious.

“We know how difficult it is to reach a URC Grand Final given the quality of the teams in this competition, as well as the challenges of touring and adapting to different playing conditions. But this team has learnt a great deal from the finals we’ve lost and the pain that came with them.

“What I’ve learnt about this group is that when everybody pulls in the same direction, we are a very dangerous team.”

Article by Michael Vlismas