Pienaar: I chose Cheetahs over a real job

18/04/2024 10:40

Ruan Pienaar shares his journey back to the Republic, as the veteran Cheetahs and Springbok playmaker prepares to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career.

The 40-year-old will hang up his boots in May after the ongoing SA Cup competition, having made his professional debut for the Sharks in 2004.

He was named Currie Cup Player of the Year at SA Rugby's 2023 Awards for his role in the Cheetahs' title win last year, during which he played at scrumhalf and flyhalf, and entertained the idea of playing another season before announcing the date of his retirement.

The 2007 World Cup winner returned home in 2019 after nine years playing in Europe for Ulster and Montpellier, and in an excerpt from the latest episode of the Behind the Ruck podcast with former Boks Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh, 88-Test Pienaar reflects on his time between the whitelines.

Get ready to dive into Ruan Pienaar’s journey this Thursday at 6 p.m.! From contemplating a corporate job to his family’s unwavering support, this episode is packed with heartfelt moments. Don’t miss it! @CheetahsRugby#BehindTheRuck#RuanPienaar#FamilySupportpic.twitter.com/H9rZ6Q5Dus

— Rudy Paige (@paige_rudy) April 17, 2024

Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images

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