Marcel Coetzee is facing a URC disciplinary hearing after being cited following the Bulls' win over Ulster on Saturday, despite the on-field review deeming his yellow card sufficient at the time.
Coetzee received the card for head contact with Ulster lock Ben Donnell during the match, with the off-field review initially concurring that no further sanction was warranted. The URC disciplinary committee has since moved to cite him regardless, alleging breaches of Laws 9.20(a) and 9.20(b) — dangerous play at a ruck or maul, including charging into an opponent without binding and making contact above the shoulders.
The hearing will be conducted via video conference, chaired by Ben Rutherford (Ireland) alongside panel members Declan Goodwin and Chris Morgan (Wales).
The timing is significant for Coetzee, who scored twice in the win despite the card and will want to lead the side in their final match before a four-week break, at home to Scarlets. The Bulls will hold their team announcement until Thursday, after the hearing outcome is known.
Should Coetzee be suspended, the Bulls have substantial loose-forward cover available in Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden, Hanru Liebenberg, Jeandre Rudolph and Nizaam Carr.