Ulster Rugby have confirmed that Marcell Coetzee will leave the club at the end of the 2020/21 season after reaching agreement for the player to return to South Africa.
The 29-year-old is currently in his fifth year at the Kingspan and has become a firm fans' favourite during his time with the province.
Springbok flanker Coetzee is set to join South African outfit Vodacom Bulls for next season, Belfast Live reports.
The franchise teased out the signing on Twitter, with an announcement expected on Monday.
Ulster said: "Having returned home during the first lockdown period in the summer, the 29-year-old expressed a strong desire to remain in South Africa amidst the ongoing uncertainty around the Coronavirus pandemic.
"On return to Belfast, the back-row remained committed to finding a route home at the conclusion of his fifth season at Kingspan Stadium.
"Today’s announcement – and the terms agreed for Coetzee’s release – enables Ulster Rugby and Head Coach Dan McFarland to move forward with recruitment for a long-term replacement."
Ulster Head Coach Dan McFarland added: “Marcell has been a great performer for us on and off the field and I’m sure he will continue to bring his high-performance standards through until June.
“We have a talented squad that is growing in experience. We are looking to supplement and support that talent, particularly in the forwards, in line with our ambition to consistently compete for championships.”
Meanwhile, Coetzee said the "longing for home" caught up with his family after they returned from South Africa earlier this year.
“It all started during lockdown when I was back home for four months. My wife and I did a lot of thinking together about life and we also reflected on where I am in my career," he added.
