Ulster Rugby have announces the signing of South Africa international back row player, Marcell Coetzee, on a three-year contract.

The 24-year-old has been capped by the Springboks on 28 occasions after making his test debut, against England, in June 2012. He has scored six tries for his country.

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What a signing! @Springboks international Marcell Coetzee will join us this summer on a three year deal #SUFTUM pic.twitter.com/l1baRjniGd

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) February 11, 2016

He will move to Kingspan Stadium in the summer, following the conclusion of the 2016 Super Rugby season, during which he will represent the Sharks.

Coetzee, who attended Port Natal High School in Durban, made his Super Rugby debut midway through 2011 and he has already accrued 68 appearances for the Sharks in that competition.

"It is a major coup for us to sign a player of Marcell's quality and experience,” Director of Rugby, Les Kiss said. “His age profile, positional versatility, leadership ability and character were some of the key ingredients as to why he was such an important target for us.

"He has played most of his international rugby between 6 and 7, but he has also played a huge amount at number 8, where we feel he could have a big impact for Ulster.

“That versatility is absolutely vital for us, as not only can Marcell be hugely effective across the three positions, but this can also accommodate the development of a number of our home-grown Irish-qualified players.

"Being appointed as the Sharks' vice-captain for the season shows that even at the young age of 24, Marcell has undoubted leadership ability. On the park, with his skilled and aggressive approach, he clearly leads from the front.”