Former Springbok scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar in talks with two teams - reports
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Former Springbok scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar has been linked with a return to the Republic with either the Cheetahs or Sharks according to Afrikaans publication The Rapport.
Pienaar played for the Cheetahs during his schoolboy years before making the switch to the Sharks in 2004. Pienaar would go on to help the Sharks to a Super Rugby while also earning test call up in 2006.
The 88 test cap, World Cup-winning veteran left the Sharks at the end of the 2010 Super Rugby season to join Ulster and made over 100 appearances before joining Montpellier in 2017.
Earlier this year, Pienaar was granted an early release from Montpellier following the passing of his sister and has since returned to South Africa.
The report states that Pienaar has inquired about vacancies at the Sharks and Cheetahs for a potential playing contract for the next two seasons.
Pienaar has been linked with coaching roles at Ulster but it's understood he wants to remain closer to his parents Rida and Gysie Pienaar.
Both the Sharks and Cheetahs could be in the market for an experienced scrumhalf with the report stating that Sharks' captain Louis Schreuder has been in talks with Montpellier and the Southern Kings.
While the Cheetahs are set to lose scrumhalf Shaun Venter to Welsh club Ospreys.
Pienaar would provide some guidance to the young scrum-halves at the Sharks with Jaden Hendrikse starring with the Junior Springboks while Cameron Wright has impressed at times for the Durban-based franchise.
