Former Springbok re-signs with Cheetahs

Veteran Ruan Pienaar has signed on with the Cheetahs for one more year of professional rugby.

Pienaar - who will turn 40 in March next year - was thought to be retiring after another Currie Cup final appearance with his beloved Cheetahs this weekend.

But just a few days out from the domestic showpiece, the former Springbok committed to another season with the Bloemfontein franchise, a deal that will take his playing career to 20 years.

"Ruan has extended with us for another year so he will be with us for another season," confirmed Cheetahs coach Hawie Fourie with sarugbymag.co.za.

"He will play the same role that he has played for us this year. He is still enjoying his rugby and he is a very competitive person so he will want to finish his career on a high.

"Ruan won't just play for money and will give his weight to the Cheetahs and give his input. He is our most experienced player and is always part of the conversation of what to do and how to do things.

"He will support [captain] Victor [Sekekete], he will be the leader of the backs and on the field he can play nine or No 10 and will be the general on the pitch as well. So, nothing different from the past season."

Pienaar began his professional career at the Sharks in 2004 and would go onto earn 88 caps for the Springboks.