Pienaar excited by northern challenge
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:10
Off to Ireland: New Ulster star Ruan Pienaar
Springbok utility back Ruan Pienaar has expressed his excitement for the challenge of northern hemisphere rugby, after it was announced that the talented playmaker would officially become an Ulster player from September 1.
Pienaar is currently part of the South African squad taking part in the Tri-Nations tournament and while his Ulster contract will commence on September 1, he will still be available for the Springboks, if selected in the 22 for the final Test against Australia in Bloemfontein on September 4.
The signing of Pienaar, one of the most highly-regarded halfbacks in world rugby, 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.
"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 told the Irish club's official website.
Pienaar, of course, is good friends with his former Sharks teammate Johann Muller, who arrived in Belfast at the beginning of July, and the two World Cup winners 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 (from the Bulls) the anticipation for an exciting and successful season is building.
Ulster Rugby Operations Director David Humphreys was excited at the acquisition of one of the biggest signings in the club's history.
"We're delighted to have concluded the contract negotiations around Ruan's move to Ulster. I would like to thank the 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."
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