Marcell Coetzee determined to win silverware with the Bulls again

After being knocked out by the Stormers in the quarter-finals of the United Rugby Championship (URC), the Bulls are on the brink of qualifying for the Currie Cup semi-finals.

The Bulls were barred from fielding Coetzee in that play-off clash with the Stormers. This, after he arrived back from a six-month sabbatical in Japan where he played for the Kobe Steelers.

According to the URC rules, Coetzee was deregistered from the Bulls squad when he left for Japan and was not allowed to be registered in time for their play-off clash with the Stormers.

He has only lifted the Currie Cup once previously in his career - with the Bulls in 2021 - and is determined to win South Africa's premier domestic competition again.

"I'm 32 and at this stage of a player's career you have to at least have something to show at the end of the season," Coetzee told reporters.

The Springbok's return from Japan has coincided with an upturn in the Bulls' fortunes although he downplayed his influence on the side and credits a change in the team's mentality as the reason for their revival.

"The guys deserve mention for the last few weeks. Our position in the standings was in turmoil and we looked each other in the eye and spoke loudly about it," added Coetzee.

"The team showed great character in the tough away games against the Griquas, Pumas and the Lions. Everyone here is proud to wear the jersey and we are going 110% to win the Currie Cup.

"One little swallow doesn't make a summer. I think we've moved back to our strengths. We play for each other, rely on our solid facets and the enjoyment factor is also back. That said, we haven't won anything yet."

Despite making his Test debut in 2012, Coetzee has not yet represented South Africa at a Rugby World Cup and said he has not heard anything from the Springboks' management ahead of the global showpiece in France later this year.

"Of course, you would like to have your name in the hat in a World Cup year," he revealed. "However, I have to be honest, there are no such discussions with me about it.

"I am happy with where I am in my career and I am very happy with the Bulls. It's nice to make a contribution here."