Cheetahs keen to keep veteran Bok on the books
NEWS: The Cheetahs may not yet know what competition they will be playing in, in the short- to long-term future, but they certainly know which players they want on their books.
Despite having spent almost the entire Super Rugby Unlocked and Currie Cup seasons sidelined with an injury, veteran Springbok utility back Ruan Pienaar is still high on the Cheetahs’ wanted list.
Bloemfontein-based radio station OFM reports that Pienaar, who will be turning 37-year-old next week, is expected to be extending his contract with the Cheetahs.
The 2007 Rugby World Cup winner was initially contracted for just two years when he returned from the French giants Montpellier.
Pienaar made his long-awaited return from injury in the 34-33 win over the Stormers last week.
Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie confirmed to OFM that they are busy negotiating a contract extension with Pienaar.
Fourie, in his post-match reaction after the Cape Town outing, was lavish in his praise of the Bok.
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“Ruan definitely had a vast influence in those last few minutes, as he has a cool head on his shoulders,” the coach said.
“He’s been in these pressure situations a lot, so he played the game perfectly.
“He made really good decisions in those last few minutes, so it was great to have him on field and if it wasn’t for that we might have lost.”
With the pending departure of the United States Eagles international Ruben de Haas later in the year, keeping Pienaar on the books is vital for the Bloemfontein-based franchise.
Meanwhile, SA Rugby has indicated that the Cheetahs will host the Sharks next week Wednesday instead of on Tuesday.
Source: OFM Sport
