Pienaar delighted with new Ulster deal
Ulster’s Ruan Pienaar says he’s delighted to have been able to sign a contract extension with the province. The South African has committed to staying at Ravenhill until the summer of 2017.
Heineken Cup Champions Toulon were believed to have been interested in signing the 29-year-old, who joined Ulster at the beginning of the 2010/11 season.
Playing both scrumhalf and out-half for the side, Pienaar has scored 510 points in 63 games. He has won 71 international caps for South Africa, the latest of which came in the Rugby Championship decider against the All Blacks.
He was also a substitute in Ulster’s round 1 Heineken Cup win against Leicester Tigers, with his substitution leading to the biggest response of approval from the Ravenhill crowd.
Speaking before training in Belfast yesterday, Pienaar said, “I have had fantastic support in Belfast and I am grateful for that – It’s nice to get back on the pitch at Ravenhill especially since it’s been
revamped.
“It’s nice to be back here in Belfast and to settle back in and looking forward to the rest of the season."
Pienaar showed just how vital he is to Ulster with a fantastic 35-minute spell in the second half against Leicester.
His discipline, experience and intelligence were a driving factor in the Ulster men leading the charge and accelerated into a nine-point lead with 10 minutes left.
“It’s obviously a pleasing result," he said.
"What was disappointing was that we didn’t finish a lot of the opportunities that we created but Leicester are a quality side, and to get a win first up against them is definitely pleasing.”
However there was a hint of disappointment as Ulster coughed up the losing bonus point.
“I thought we dominated most of that game and to give them that point was disappointing," Pienaar admitted.
"But in saying that we will take the four points as a lot to be positive about and we are looking forward to the rest of the campaign,"
Attention has now switched to the away trip to Montpellier this weekend in round two of the Heineken Cup. With Montpellier top of the French Top 14 and having registered convincing wins over teams like Clermont this season, coming home with a win will be easier said than done.
“It’s a massive challenge," Pienaar said.
"I think that’s what this competition is all about - you play great teams from different countries and we’re looking forward to it.
“A good start would be great for us, especially playing away with their crowd getting behind them, so we have to be clinical and take our chances when they come.”
