The Springbok flanker will be heading to Japan, where he will be plying his trade with the Kobe Steelers.

The Potchefstroom-born loose-forward will only be heading to Japan on a six-month contract before returning to the Bulls. He has previously played in the Japanese Top League for the Honda Heat in 2015-16.

Coetzee, who also played for Ulster for five years, believes that playing in Japan will benefit his career and that his contribution in the URC will benefit him.

"As a player, you are always looking to develop certain things. You want to grow as a player," said Coetzee.

"I know from the last time I played in Japan that there is a very high tempo. You are running a lot and it might be a good thing for my game going forward.

"The URC is getting bigger and it is getting tougher, but most of all, it is getting quicker as well.

"You can always pick something up wherever you go. You keep on developing as a player. You just want to stay ahead of it.

"It’s going to keep you on your feet coming back as well. You are just looking to become a better player."

Coetzee added that he is not leaving the Bulls forever and that he will be back and playing for them in six months’ time.

"The positive thing about that is that I know I am coming back. I missed my country too much while I was in Ulster for five years.

"I am coming back to the Bulls and they are backing me. It is an honour to play for the Bulls, and you just want to live every moment of it.

"My wife and I made Pretoria our home. The home is where the heart is and that is definitely here in Pretoria."

On Saturday at 16:00 the Lions will host the Stormers at Ellis Park, while Sunday's match between the Bulls and Sharks at Loftus Versfeld kicks off at 15:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport