On the mend.

Ulster Rugby could be set for a huge boost ahead of next season with Springbok back-row forward Marcell Coetzee eyeing up a return to action in time for pre-season.

Coetzee has played just five times for the northern province in the last two season after an injury ravaged nightmare. He arrived in Belfast with a torn ACL and has been forced to undergo two surgeries since.

In the few games he did play, Coetzee’s talent was plain to see. He’s an incredible player when fit and a real game changer. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Coetzee says it’s been a long road back.

“It”s been a long process,” he admitted.

“You know, a bit of bad luck went my way. But it’s seven months post operation now, with another two months of rehab to go and then I’ll fall in with the other players for pre-season.

“Just to be among them will be a sigh of relief for me and, hopefully, it continues to go well so I can play that first game.

“It’s mentally challenging to come to a new club and you want to give back what they invest in you and then bad luck comes your way.

“It’s character building at the end of the day, I’ve learnt a lot about life in the last two years.

“It has all been very frustrating, this past year watching the boys play.

“But I’ve just been trying to support them, whether it’s helping a young guy or helping a little bit with the breakdown work.

“I’d just like to thank the general public for their support.”

Having Coetzee back could be just the boost Ulster need. And with Jordi Murphy also set to join – the northern province could have their best back-row in many years.