In what can only be described as an abomination of a worldly talent, Ireland-based Springbok flank Marcell Coetzee says he still harbours hopes of playing for the Springboks in this year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Coetzee currently plies his trade with Ulster and in an interview with the Irish Examiner he said he "unfortunately not" been in contact with Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.
"If I understand the structures there, they are going to go with the players they have now and back the guys they think can do the job," he told the Irish Examiner.
"The short answer is no, I don't have any contact with him, but if something were to happen to somebody I just want to make sure I'm at the peak of my form with performances and conditioning-wise, in case I’m called for it (the World Cup)."
Coetzee, who played 28 Tests for the Boks between 2012 and 2015, has enjoyed somewhat of a playing resurgence since recovering from knee injuries that decimated the early parts of his Ulster career.
The 27-year-old joined Ulster from the Sharks in 2016 but managed just five appearances in his first two years with the club.
However, he has played 21 times this season, helping them to the PRO14 playoffs.
