Bulls captain cleared of foul play

This past weekend Bulls stalwart Marcell Coetzee received a yellow card following an incident involving Ulster lock Ben Donnell during a URC clash at Loftus.

However, after the game Coetzee was cited, alleged to have breached Laws 9.20(a) and 9.20(b), which prohibit dangerous play at a ruck or maul, including charging into an opponent without binding and making contact above the shoulders.

It led to a customary disciplinary hearing, but the good news for Coetzee and the Bulls is the fact that it was deemed that a yellow card was sufficient.

Bulls captain free to play

This weekend the third-placed Bulls – who have made a strong start to the season – will be careful not to underestimate the 14th-placed Scarlets after they put up a competitive performance against the Stormers last weekend.

It will be a big boost for the Bulls to have their skipper available, with a statement from the URC explaining the disciplinary outcome.

“The citing commissioner in charge reported Marcell Coetzee for an act of foul play in the 43rd minute of the game under Law 9.20(a) and 9.20(b) –  Dangerous play in a ruck or maul. (a) A Player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck of maul. (b) A Player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.

“The Panel overseeing the disciplinary hearing Ben Rutherford (Chair – Ireland), Declan Goodwin and Chris Morgan (Wales), reviewed the incident and agreed that an act of foul play had occurred, the clean out was principally shoulder to body.

“The head contact was incidental and low force, corroborated by the evidence of both the Player and his opponent and medical team. The degree of danger was therefore low in accordance with the World Rugby Head Coach Process and the correct outcome was a yellow card, as issued by the Match Officials on the day. 

“The Citing Complaint was not upheld and the Player is free to play this weekend.”

Match information

Bulls v Scarlets
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
SA Time: 17:00
Referee: Eoghan Cross
TV: SuperSport