Ruan Pienaar started training with the Cheetahs on Monday after completing his move from Belfast to Bloemfontein over the weekend.

Pienaar signed a two-year contract with the Cheetahs after leaving French club Montpellier, but was only able to recently start training with the squad as he had to relocate his family to Bloemfontein.

The 35-year-old scrumhalf could potentially make his debut in this weekend’s Currie Cup clash with the Lions in Bloemfontein, as captain and first-choice scrumhalf Tian Meyer is struggling with a hamstring injury.

Pienaar, who has not played since the beginning of the year, told OFM that he is regardless looking forward to getting back into the thick of things this weekend.

‘In two weeks’ time I will feel a lot better, but I am excited,’ Pienaar said.  ‘The guys are working hard and it is high-intensity training, which is exactly what I need. There are a lot of youngsters that will push me, so it’s good to try and keep up with them.

‘I haven’t played rugby since the first weekend in January, but I will be really excited if I get the opportunity to play this weekend, especially where it all started for me.’

Schooled at Grey College, Pienaar played his youth rugby for the Free State before beginning his professional career with the Sharks in 2004.

After spending six years in Durban, Pienaar made the move overseas with Ulster, where he quickly became a cult hero, making 141 appearances in seven years for the Belfast team.

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