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Pienaar picked family over money

Springbok scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar explains it was a “family decision” to turn down a lucrative offer from Toulon.

The 29-year-old rejected a potential €60,000 (R800,000) a month deal with the French giants and on Tuesday signed a three-year contract extension with Irish club Ulster.

The utility back said he and his young family have settled in Belfast and that he declined the offer after discussing the move with his wife.

"It was a difficult decision," said Pienaar.

 

"Maybe there was the chance of France or something new in my career. But it was a family decision.

 

"They've been happy and settled in Belfast. I've enjoyed the rugby here and I'm happy to stay to look forward to the next few years in Ravenhill.

“There's stability knowing I'll be here for another few years. We're making huge progress on and off the field and, hopefully, we can continue that."

South African-born loose forward Robbie Diack this week also pledged his future to Ulster for the next three years.

The future of Springbok lock Johann Muller, meanwhile, remains uncertain while the club look set to lose the services of All Black prop John Afoa at the end of the season.

Source: independent.ie

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