Springbok scrumhalf may head to France

And while Ulster continue to search for a suitable replacement that will satisfy the IRFU's 'succession policy', the 2007 World Cup winner has already decided on where he will see out his playing career.

Although not confirmed, there has been reported by the Belfast telegraph that the 32-year-old has signed with Top 14 side Montpelier.

"We have to wait for the club to be ready to announce me but I know where we're going and it will be a good challenge," he said in an interview with the Belfast telegraph.  "I think you have to see it as a new challenge.

"I can't be negative because of what's happened here, that I wanted to stay but I can't.

"You have to see the positives. It's a change and sometimes change is good. We'll take the challenge head on and hopefully, we'll enjoy it and the family will enjoy it,"

Pienaar and his province are currently preparing to face Connacht at Kingspan on Friday, with the first of the festive inter-pros a few days earlier than its usual Boxing Day slot.

And while the five-day turnaround from the Champions Cup loss to Clermont on Sunday is a challenge, Pienaar is at least looking forward to having a more relaxed Christmas Day than usual.

"It's going to be tough," he admitted of the visit from the league champions, who have not won in Belfast since 1960.

"It's a short turnaround and straight into Connacht but the management will have us as fresh as they can over this period. That's the challenge this time of year gives you.

"Us from the south, this is normally our holiday time and we're on the beach but instead we're preparing for games,"

While the province fell short in their efforts to send their last great foreign import, Johann Muller, off into the sunset with a trophy, there will be similar determination to see Pienaar's final game in an Ulster jersey be a fitting occasion.

Source: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk