Ulster’s scrum half Ruan Pienaar bags Ulster Player of the Year Award – Rugby update
Ulster’s scrum half, Ruan Pienaar, is on a dream run in his first year stint in the Northern Hemisphere. The former Springboks international’s exceptional performance in the season has bagged two major Southern Hemisphere awards in a span of just three days.
Belfast based Ulster, awarded their scrum half with the Ulster Player of the Year award at a Heineken sponsored event that took place at Culloden Hotel, Belfast on May 10th.
Ruan Pienaar has already won the Magners League Player of the Year award during the Magners League annual dinner held in Dublin on Monday, May 9.
The 27-year-old has played an important role in Ulster’s effective performance in both the European and domestic season. Third placed Ulster with 67 points will take on Leinster in the Magners League’s first knock out match at Royal Dublin Society on Friday,
May 13.
Ulster booked their place in the Magners League 2010/11 play-offs as they defeated the Dragons at Rodney Parade on Friday, May 6.
The former South African International Rugby Union team’s scrum half, fly half and full back has played 15 games for Ulster during the 2010/11 season. He was eventually given a permanent role at a scrum half position. His speed,
exceptional ball handling skills, and goal kicking has helped him win the hearts of both his team and fans in the Northern Hemisphere.
Pienaar has scored 119 points in the current season, which includes 26 penalties, a drop goal, 4 tries and 9 conversions in the season so far.
Talking about his performance at the new club, Ulster’s scrum half said, “I came to a place that I didn't know but, thanks to the team, I settled in very quickly and enjoyed myself." Ruan Pienaar previously represented Natal Sharks
and Sharks before joining the Ulster in 2010.
Bloemfontein born Ruan Pienaar’s impressive on field and off field attitude and performance has also helped him to win a place in the 2010/11 Magners League Dream Team.
Ulster’s young player award went to Nevin Spence while Craig Gilroy received Academy player of the year award.
Pienaar was part of the Springboks teams that lifted the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He played four matches for Springboks in the world cup and scored 10 points.
Ruan Pienaar last international game for South Africa came against the England in November 2010.
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