Veteran Cheetahs playmaker Ruan Pienaar has announced the date of his retirement from professional rugby.
The 40-year-old Pienaar had entertained the idea of playing in another Currie Cup but decided to call it quits in May after the upcoming SA Cup series.
Reflecting on his decision, the 88-Test Springbok told Netwerk24, “I wanted to retire in October, but then I was talked out of it. However, I feel the time is right now. I’ve been thinking about quitting for the last two months.”
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He was named Currie Cup Player of the Year at SA Rugby’s 2023 Awards on Thursday for his role in the Cheetahs’ title win last year, during which he played at scrumhalf and flyhalf.
“The last five years at the Cheetahs, where everything started for me, leave me with many good memories,” Pienaar added.
Though he will leave big boots to fill, the 2007 World Cup winner highlighted the growth of young scrumhalves Rewan Kruger and Ruben de Haas at the Free State outfit.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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