Ruan Pienaar gets first coaching gig

NEWS: Ruan Pienaar will officially take his first steps in his coaching career when he joins the Free State Under-21 coaching staff.

He will be their new backline and attack coach.

The Springbok will continue playing for the Cheetahs in the SA Cup before hanging up his boots to move to a full-time coaching position.

“Ruan brings a wealth of experience and the Cheetahs are fortunate to have him in our camp,” said MJ Smith, COO of the Free State Cheetahs.

“He will also be involved with all the professional teams and his job will be to further improve the skill set needed in the way the Cheetahs wants to play.”

Pienaar will be the bridge between the juniors and seniors and raise the next generation of senior players by equipping them to play on a higher level.

“We need continuity between the teams.” Smith said.

Meanwhile, Pienaar added: “I’m excited about the new role and look forward to the challenge and learning.”

The SA Rugby U21 Cup kicks off on Friday, May 3, and the team from the Free State will face the Lions at Ellis Park.