Springbok Ruan Pienaar will officially become an Ulsterman on the 1st September 2010.
Ruan is currently part of the South Africa squad taking part in the Tri-Nations tournament and while his Ulster contract will commence on the 1st September 2010 he will be available for the Springboks if selected in the 22 for the final test against Australia in Bloemfontein on 4th September.
The signing of Pienaar, one of the most highly regard half-backs in world rugby who can play at either scrum half or out half, on a two year deal is a serious statement of Ulster’s intent as they prepare to launch an assault on both the Magners League and Heineken Cup this season.
Ulster Rugby Operations Director David Humphreys commented:
“We’re delighted to have concluded the contract negotiations around Ruan’s move to Ulster. I would like to thank the Natal Sharks for their help in the matter and for agreeing to Ruan’s early release from his Sharks contract. We look forward to welcoming Ruan to Belfast in September, he is without doubt one of the biggest signings made in Ulster Rugby’s history and I’m confident that he will be a key asset to us both on and off the pitch.
Pienaar, who is currently back training with the Sharks having been released by the South African Management for Currie Cup action during the three week break from the Tri Nations had this to say now his move has been finalised:
“I’m very excited about the change – I have been thinking about going to the Northern Hemisphere for a couple of seasons now and when the opportunity to join Ulster came up I was very interested”
He is good friends with his former Natal Sharks team-mate Johann Muller, who arrived in Belfast at the beginning of July, and the two have been in touch
“The decision was made easier knowing Johann and his family are there and I’ve been speaking with him and getting up to speed”
“I know that the club has big plans to build the team up and win trophies and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.”
Confirmation of Pienaar’s release date and his subsequent arrival in Belfast means that the Ulster Rugby Squad for 2010-11 is now complete, and with the arrival of three top quality South African players in Pienaar, Johann Muller and Pedrie Wannenburg the anticipation for an exciting and successful season is building.
As part of the preparation for the season Ulster will play three friendly fixtures in August, two matches at home versus Bath on 13th August and Leeds on Thursday 26th August and an away match against London Harlequins in Saturday 21st August. Tickets for the two home friendlies are now on sale at www.ulsterrugby.com or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 028 9049 3222.
Ruan Pienaar Statistics
DOB: 10th March 1984
Born: Bloemfontein, South Africa
Club: Natal Sharks
Position: Scrum Half/Out Half
Super Rugby Debut: 2005
Intl Honours: South Africa (first cap v NZ in 2006)
