Former Ulster scrum-half Ruan Pienaar has been linked with a return to Irish shores, with the 34-year-old reportedly set to return to the province where he made 141 appearances over seven years. ulster rugby

Rugby journalist Mark Keohane is reporting that the South African was contacted by South Africa Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus to see if he would join the Springboks this summer but Pienaar refused, citing his imminent move to Ulster as the reason. This would mean that he would bring the curtain down on his career with French side Montpellier, with the South African starring in their recent Top 14 semi-final with against Lyon last night.

My understanding is when Rassie contacted him he confirmed he was not available as he is to take up a coaching role with Ulster next year & would sign off as a player this season with @MHR_officiel But I agree with @jacq_west he is still best SA No9 https://t.co/AfYxFrGeMg — Mark Keohane (@mark_keohane) May 25, 2018

Ulster will also welcome Dan McFarland as head coach of the club with Jono Gibbes leaving the province due to personal reasons.

What’s next for departing @UlsterRugby head coach Jono Gibbes? pic.twitter.com/kuJ2B8mdFL — BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) May 20, 2018


McFarland may have to wait until mid-January in order to take the reins up north though, as he serves a nine-month notice period while the recruitment process gets underway.

The 46-year-old was announced as Gibbes successor in April, with the former Connacht assistant coach looking forward to the challenge: