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Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:11 pm
by cables
Pienaar Joins Ulster
27 May 2010, 2:30 pm
By Christine McNally
Following a report in South African Newspaper, The Sunday Tribune, in which Springbok Coach Peter de Villiers confirmed Ruan Pienaar’s move to Northern Ireland, Ulster are delighted to announce that Ruan will join Ulster Rugby on a two year contract. Negotiations for his release are still ongoing with his Province, The Sharks.
Having made his Super 14 debut with The Sharks in 2005, Ruan went on to make his first appearance for the Springboks in 2006, against New Zealand. Ruan was a member of the victorious 2007 Rugby World Cup squad, and to date has won 36 Springbok caps and has scored 85 Test points.
Speaking about Ulster Rugby’s decision to recruit the World Cup winning Springbok, Ulster Rugby Operations Director David Humphreys remarked: “Bringing Ruan to Ulster is a massive statement of our ambition to be competing with the top teams in the Magners League and ERC. He is one of the most naturally gifted players in world rugby and having had huge experience at international level with the Springboks, we believe Ruan will help Ulster achieve success over the next couple of seasons.”
Ruan will be joining former Springbok and Sharks players, BJ Botha and Johann Muller, in the Ulster squad next season.
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:14 pm
by theCloudSpotter
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:14 pm
by Off the Top
Absolutely brilliant - a top notch signing.
Well done David Humphreys.
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:17 pm
by Billyboy
Well done Humph - good news at last
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:18 pm
by Neil F
Not sure Ulster have ever made a signing that I've been more singularly excited about
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:22 pm
by Yoda
When all the crap was being talked a few weeks ago about our squad for next year and the SH position in particular there were many people giving off stink about the mgt team and the world in general - I said I would reserve judgement until an announcement was made - well now it has - absolutely brilliant - well done Humph and all involved
There are a number of posters who need to get on here and eat some humble pie while offering apologies at the same time
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:22 pm
by Cap'n Grumpy
Just had a txt message from Ulster rugby:
Ruan Pienaar joins Ulster Rugby on a two year deal. Season tickets still available - call 90493222
Not sure if this is good marketing or just sounding desperate!
Good news about the signing though
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:24 pm
by maximus
Absolutely brilliant - a top notch signing.
Well done David Humphreys.
A marked contrast with the tone of posts on the 'Rush' thread...
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:28 pm
by tomodaman_2
maximus wrote:Absolutely brilliant - a top notch signing.
Well done David Humphreys.
A marked contrast with the tone of posts on the 'Rush' thread...
This is terrific news!
Hate to be cynical, but is this the good news that Ulster were waiting for before making a statement about XR?
Still- Ruan > Xavier, without a doubt!
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:29 pm
by weenotion
Fab signing. Brillant news all round!
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:32 pm
by jackthelad
Now would be a good time for the branch to end the speculation surrounding the Rush situation. He and Pienaar together would be great. Pienaar and Diack / Henry would be decent enough. It's what he might bring / have brought to the squad in terms of leadership that was the interesting part of Rush's signing for me.
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:33 pm
by backawaygoonahead
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:33 pm
by Ardglass2
Maybe Rush will now realize we are a club worth joining
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:37 pm
by ColinM
Neil F wrote:Not sure Ulster have ever made a signing that I've been more singularly excited about
We've had one or two on their own and at later stages in their careers, but next year we'll be taking to the field with THREE world cup winners, ALL in their prime
Re: Ruan becomes an Ulsterman
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 3:38 pm
by Rob6
has produced 3 magnificent signings (albeit X Rush is looking like a backsliding sheep worrier.) 
