Former Ulster talisman Ruan Pienaar is back in Belfast to play his first game at Kingspan Stadium since leaving the province in 2017 for Toyota Cheetahs on Saturday, and he can’t wait to get out onto a pitch which holds so many fond memories for him.
Pienaar and the Cheetahs have been training at Newforge, the former Ulster training base – a familiar environment for the 35-year-old who is excited to be back in Belfast.
Ruan Pienaar during the Cheetahs' media call at Newforge Country Club, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Photo by John Dickson / DicksonDigital[/caption]
Looking ahead to the game on Saturday, Pienaar knows how important it is for both Ulster and the Cheetahs, who are currently second and third in Conference A, and both fighting for a place in the play-offs.
“I know very well how tough it is to come to Kingspan Stadium and win against Ulster who have been in great form in the last few months. It’s a big challenge for our young group to go to a place like this. We will try to soak up the atmosphere you get here; it’s really different to what the guys are used to, but it’s exciting for us. Hopefully we play the better rugby that we enjoy playing and put up a strong performance against a good Ulster team.
“We just don’t want to participate, we want to be competitive on a regular basis when we go on the road, especially when it’s cold and wet. As a team, we need to learn how to play these conditions and the more we play in them, the more we can improve.”
It’s not just the opportunity to play at Kingspan Stadium again that Pienaar is excited about; he’s equally as happy to spend some time with the locals and catch up with old friends while in Belfast.
“What made the place really special for me was the people. I’ve only been here for a few days and have bumped into a few people; it’s always nice to have a chat with the locals and they’ve been so appreciative. It just shows you the type of people you get here. My wife is very jealous that I get to come to Belfast! I made some really good friends here and we’ll always stay in touch.”
“I never thought I would get the opportunity to play at Kingspan Stadium again, so it will be nice. It will be strange going to the away changing room and running out for a different team but I’m really looking forward to it.”After a spell with Montpellier in France, the Springbok veteran is in his first season with the Cheetahs who are based in Bloemfontein - his place of birth - and he is relishing playing for the team he supported as a child. “I’m playing for a team I grew up supporting and I’ve had a lot of fun the last few months. I’ve been privileged to be part of a Currie Cup-winning team. It’s special to go back home and win the trophy that has so much tradition behind it. It’s nice to spend more time with the family. “It’s a good group of guys in the team and I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Cheetahs so far. The family misses Belfast but they’ve adapted well in South Africa and the kids are happy at school. That’s what you really want, for your kids to be happy and it makes my job a little easier.” [caption id="attachment_33655" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Ruan Pienaar during the Cheetahs' media call at Newforge Country Club, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Photo by John Dickson / DicksonDigital[/caption]
Looking ahead to the game on Saturday, Pienaar knows how important it is for both Ulster and the Cheetahs, who are currently second and third in Conference A, and both fighting for a place in the play-offs.
“I know very well how tough it is to come to Kingspan Stadium and win against Ulster who have been in great form in the last few months. It’s a big challenge for our young group to go to a place like this. We will try to soak up the atmosphere you get here; it’s really different to what the guys are used to, but it’s exciting for us. Hopefully we play the better rugby that we enjoy playing and put up a strong performance against a good Ulster team.
“We just don’t want to participate, we want to be competitive on a regular basis when we go on the road, especially when it’s cold and wet. As a team, we need to learn how to play these conditions and the more we play in them, the more we can improve.”
It’s not just the opportunity to play at Kingspan Stadium again that Pienaar is excited about; he’s equally as happy to spend some time with the locals and catch up with old friends while in Belfast.
“What made the place really special for me was the people. I’ve only been here for a few days and have bumped into a few people; it’s always nice to have a chat with the locals and they’ve been so appreciative. It just shows you the type of people you get here. My wife is very jealous that I get to come to Belfast! I made some really good friends here and we’ll always stay in touch.”