Statement: Bath star out long-term with 'gutting' ruptured ACL

Thursday, 24 April 2025 at 17:43

byRugby Rucker

Bath powerhouse Jaco Coetzee is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a brutal ACL rupture during his side’s Challenge Cup quarter-final triumph over Gloucester.

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The South African No.8 smashed his leg against the post as he dotted down for a try on 13 April, in what turned out to be a freak incident with major consequences.

Bench Beast Sidelined

Coetzee has been a game-changer off the bench this season, racking up 21 appearances—all as a replacement—and making a massive impact for Johann van Graan’s men.

But now, Bath will be without one of their key weapons for potentially the next 12 months.

“Jaco’s leg hit the post and kind of swung around it,” explained Van Graan to BBC Sport
. “It was a very unique movement, and as a result, he’s ruptured his ACL. He’s also picked up a few other minor knee issues.”

Specialists have analysed the rare mechanism of the injury, and depending on how surgery goes next week, the recovery could range from nine months to over a year.