Speculation that Ruan Pienaar may be eyeing a return to South Africa – and the Sharks – proved unfounded yesterday as he was confirmed as having extended his Ulster stay by a further two years.
Pienaar left the Sharks to join the Belfast club in 2010 and has become a fan favourite at Ravenhill, scooping the coveted Magners League Players’ Player of the Year award. Midway through last year, he was spotted in Durban and rumours at the time suggested that a return to Durban may be a formality once his current deal was up.
Speaking about his decision to remain an Ulsterman, Pienaar told the BBC that “I have made some good friends here and have really enjoyed the rugby side. The people of Belfast have welcomed myself and my family with open arms, so it was an easy decision in the end.”
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A talented but inconsistent player in the sharks jersey. Seems like he’s upped his game in the northern hemisphere. Good on him.
Good luck Ruan! Hope you have another 2 great seasons and then come back to share some of that experience with the up-and-coming Sharks scrummies.
I don’t think the inconsistent Sharks-selection policy would be healthy for a sensitive player like you, and I also think the Sharks need more assertiveness and direction at 9 then you were able to provide in your last few seasons here – so a good decision for you and the Sharks IMO.
Best wishes for your future Ruan.
I suppose a big part of the decision to stay was the fact that those coaches didn’t f?+k him around by playing him anywhere they saw fit.
Good on you Ruan.
He has been playing really well for Ulster. Good luck to him.
We miss you man….
ULSTER (v Leicester Tigers): Stefan Terblanche; Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Paddy Wallace, Craig Gilroy; Ian Humphreys, Ruan Pienaar; Tom Court, Rory Best, John Afoa, Johann Muller (capt), Dan Tuohy, Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry, Pedrie Wannenburg.
Interesting seeing all the Saffa’s for the various NH teams!