When Ruan Pienaar plays his final game for the Cheetahs this Friday, the team will bid farewell to a player whose career has been nothing short of remarkable.
At 40, Pienaar will draw the curtain on his playing days at Shimla Park, surrounded by loved ones, as the Cheetahs face Griquas in a SA Cup match in Bloemfontein.
This game marks the end of a journey that started with the Cheetahs, moved to the Sharks in 2004, and included significant stints at Ulster and Montpellier before returning to the Cheetahs.
Hailing from Grey College in Bloemfontein, Ruan Pienaar’s career boasts 350 first-class matches. Adding his 88 Test caps for the Springboks, it’s evident why he is celebrated as a rugby legend.
Frans Steyn, another iconic figure in Cheetahs and Springbok history, retired last year due to a knee injury. If tasked with picking a World XV, Steyn would not hesitate to include Ruan Pienaar.
Steyn, who has travelled extensively with Pienaar on various Springbok tours, deeply respects his long-time teammate.
The Ideal Scrumhalf
Steyn himself has an impressive record, with 300 first-class games for teams like the Sharks, Cheetahs, Racing Métro 92, Montpellier, and Brave Lupus, along with 78 Test matches. He believes that Friday’s game will be a poignant moment for South African rugby.
“South Africa has produced many outstanding players, and I don’t think Ruan always got the recognition he deserved,” Steyn remarked. “If I were to select a World XV, his name would definitely be one of the first.”
When asked about Pienaar’s best position, Steyn confidently stated: “Scrumhalf, without a doubt!”
Pienaar’s Determined Spirit
Steyn highlighted Ruan Pienaar’s fierce competitive nature. “He despises losing more than I do. He also experiences pre-match nerves. However, on the field, his game-reading ability is exceptional.”
Steyn praised Pienaar’s well-rounded skills, adding, “It’s rare to find a No.9 as proficient in passing, kicking, and vision as he is. When he kicks left, he already knows where the return kick will go.”
The Steyn-Pienaar Partnership
Together, Steyn and Pienaar have made a significant impact on rugby at both domestic and international levels. “We’ve come a long way together,” Steyn reflected. “He’s an incredible person, and if he tells me I’ve made a mistake, I seriously reconsider my actions.”
Their collaboration continues within the Cheetahs organisation, with Steyn now in coaching and administration. “We aim to contribute positively to the Cheetahs, Bloemfontein, and the Free State. It’s not about personal achievements; we want to do what’s best for the team and the region. Our motivations are pure – it’s our love for this place,” Steyn concluded.
In a sport known for its unpredictability, Steyn and Ruan Pienaar are determined to make a lasting impact off the field, just as they did during their playing days.