Bulls to lose star man to Japan?

The Bulls are said to be in negotiations to extend captain Marcell Coetzee’s Loftus Versfeld contract.

The Pretoria franchise are reportedly even willing let their star loose forward play in Japan as part of a new deal.

Coetzee’s current contract with the Bulls runs until 2024 and, according to Sunday’s Rapport, Coetzee’s agent is currently in talks with Top League side Kobe Steelers.

Kobe Steelers are the same club who recently took Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am on a short-term loan.

The Bulls are said to be willing to let Coetzee take a short-term sabbatical – but only if he extends his contract with the team until 2026.

Marcell Coetzee has been shown little Springbok love

Despite his impressive form for the Bulls, Coetzee, now 31, has not been called up for any of the Springbok alignment camps to date, suggesting he will not add to his current tally of 30 Tests in the green and gold jersey.

The Bulls on Saturday finished fourth in the United Rugby Championship (URC) log and will host the Sharks in the quarter-finals.