0:00:02 > 0:00:05CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:05 > 0:00:09South African rugby star Ruan Pienaar has played his last
0:00:09 > 0:00:10game for Ulster.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15But he and his family don't want to leave.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18When you bring kids into your consideration, you know,
0:00:18 > 0:00:21that's what really hurt me.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25You are disappointed, then the anger kicked in a bit.
0:00:25 > 0:00:30It's a controversy which has engulfed Irish rugby.
0:00:30 > 0:00:31So, why can't he stay?
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Ruan never, ever made it about the money.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39In the modern game, that's one of the qualities that summed him up.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46In his seven years here, Pienaar has left an indelible impression.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- COMMENTARY:- Pienaar's going to score!
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Both on the pitch...
0:00:49 > 0:00:51..has to be the try of the season!
0:00:51 > 0:00:52..and off it.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56Probably a greater impact than any other player that's played for
0:00:56 > 0:00:57Ulster that's not born and bred.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59THEY CHEER
0:00:59 > 0:01:01This is his story.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16From he was old enough to walk, rugby was Ruan Pienaar's passion.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20Growing up in Bloemfontein,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24the capital city of the Free State of South Africa, he always dreamt
0:01:24 > 0:01:29of emulating some of his sporting heroes and playing for his country.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36South Africa's just a nation that's mad about rugby.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38You know, it's almost a religion over there.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40And for me, as a youngster,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43I used to get up early in the mornings to watch the Springboks.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45I was on the pitch every single day.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49I went home quickly for lunch after school and then back,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51back in to my training gear,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53back to school and just kicked balls around.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56I think rugby's always been something that I've loved,
0:01:56 > 0:01:57something that I wanted to do.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02Ruan rapidly rose through the ranks of the schoolboy game.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07He was a member of the team which won the Junior Rugby World Cup.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Then aged 20 he signed for one of South Africa's biggest
0:02:12 > 0:02:15professional sides, the Natal Sharks.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19Yes, now, try to Ruan Pienaar!
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Ruan's big break came two years later.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26A senior international debut.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32To go on and to represent your country was obviously a proud moment
0:02:32 > 0:02:36for me, and especially also cos my dad played for South Africa.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41I remember my dad told me that the first night before he played his Test match,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44he slept in his Springbok kit and then I thought "I'll do the same."
0:02:44 > 0:02:48The night before the first Test match I slept with my shorts and my jersey as well.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51I thought if my dad did it, then I should do it, as well.
0:02:51 > 0:02:52CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Ruan went on to win 88 caps.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59And claim the greatest prize in the sport.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04Helping South Africa lift the Rugby World Cup in France in 2007.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13Also part of that Springbok squad was his good friend Johann Muller.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16I met Ruan about 13 or 14 years ago now.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19He stood out as a really strong individual,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22somebody with fantastic potential like we all know,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26but more importantly, you know, I think the thing that stood
0:03:26 > 0:03:30out for me from Ruan, you know, was his character.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32CROWD CHANT AND CLAP
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Muller joined Ulster in 2010.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37Around the same time,
0:03:37 > 0:03:43Ruan married his long-time girlfriend Monique in South Africa.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49It took a while before... before I really got to know him.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51He was a very shy and quiet guy.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55I think he wasn't really enjoying his rugby as much as
0:03:55 > 0:03:58he used to do in South Africa, so we just thought, like,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01maybe something needs to change.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04When Johann Muller signed for Ulster, that sort of sparked that I
0:04:04 > 0:04:07wanted to come abroad, and, well, I just spoke to David Humphreys.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09He was director of rugby at that time.
0:04:09 > 0:04:15And I said, "Johann, just ask him, if there's a spot for a number nine,
0:04:15 > 0:04:16"then he must give me a call."
0:04:16 > 0:04:17When you talked to Ruan,
0:04:17 > 0:04:20it was about trying to show him the ambition of the club,
0:04:20 > 0:04:22because he was still at that stage in his career -
0:04:22 > 0:04:25quite often players who had moved across to Europe, they came
0:04:25 > 0:04:28across purely and simply for the money at the end of their career.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31We were signing a player who was in the prime of his career,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34an established international player wanted by almost every club
0:04:34 > 0:04:35in Europe.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Three months later, you know,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Ruan joined us in Belfast with Ulster and I remember him and
0:04:40 > 0:04:45Monique walking through the doors at the arrival of Belfast City Airport.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49I didn't know where Belfast was on the map really.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52I didn't understand the Northern Ireland and the Ireland story,
0:04:52 > 0:04:55and my mum telling us that Northern Ireland's one of the most
0:04:55 > 0:04:58dangerous places in the world, you know?
0:04:58 > 0:05:01It's not easy just leaving your country behind and everything
0:05:01 > 0:05:03you know, and leaving the Sharks at that stage,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06which was a great club and a great union for all of us.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08It's a tough decision.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11We came here as a just-married couple and I think maybe the
0:05:11 > 0:05:15first drive into the old Ravenhill then, Monique looked at
0:05:15 > 0:05:18me and she said, "Listen, what did we get ourselves into here?"
0:05:18 > 0:05:22I was a bit shocked, because I was used to huge and beautiful stadiums.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25I was like, "Ruan, what were we thinking?"
0:05:25 > 0:05:26SHE LAUGHS
0:05:26 > 0:05:29And I said, "Listen, you know, we can't back down now."
0:05:29 > 0:05:33And then I realised it's not about how big the stadium is, or how
0:05:33 > 0:05:36fancy the stadium is, it's really about the history and the support.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40And after a few months I got it and I was like,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42"No, we definitely made the right decision."
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- ANNOUNCER:- And stand up for the Ulstermen!
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Ruan made an immediate impact.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- COMMENTARY:- Pienaar looking for a try.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53He's got it! What a way to make your Ulster debut!
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Welcome to Ravenhill, Ruan Pienaar!
0:05:56 > 0:05:59I was so nervous, because in a new environment, and you don't
0:05:59 > 0:06:03know how the crowd will take to you and how your team-mates...
0:06:03 > 0:06:06and you're so scared you have a bit of a shocker your first time,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09or them thinking, "What did they think, signing this guy?"
0:06:09 > 0:06:12And thankfully it went all right and we managed to win the game.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17A man-of-the-match performance.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Straight between the visitors' posts.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23And his exceptional displays continued.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25And he's done it.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Tried to get the ball away. Did it go forward?
0:06:27 > 0:06:29Not so. And it's going to be a try for Pienaar!
0:06:31 > 0:06:32Pienaar himself.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Oh, wonderful by the Springbok.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Pienaar also showed his ability to stay calm under pressure.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Composure remembered fondly by one of his team-mates.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49This is my kind of dream come true.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51First game for Ulster.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54And then I saw Ruan line the kick up and it was
0:06:54 > 0:06:56a horrible night, as well. It was wet.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59And in our own half. I remember having my head in my hands hoping it
0:06:59 > 0:07:00would go over.
0:07:03 > 0:07:04He's struck it nicely.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06It needs to carry.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09What a kick by Pienaar!
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Just to see the way the team celebrated, I think not only
0:07:12 > 0:07:15did it mean a lot to me, but to the club, as well,
0:07:15 > 0:07:17cos it showed that through tough times and times when it looks
0:07:17 > 0:07:20like we're down and out, we can fight and show
0:07:20 > 0:07:22a bit of character and get over the line, you know.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27And Pienaar the hero, and he can now smile and Ulster have won this game.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Ruan in the middle of it, just humble as ever,
0:07:29 > 0:07:31didn't want to take any of the praise.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35And there were more magical moments to come.
0:07:36 > 0:07:42Ruan scored the winning points in the final seconds of two more matches.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Pienaar, drop at goal.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46It's high, is it good?
0:07:46 > 0:07:47It's a belter!
0:07:47 > 0:07:50And that's time up! And Pienaar!
0:07:50 > 0:07:51Would you believe it?
0:07:51 > 0:07:53He's walloped it.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56He's nailed it! Right at the death!
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Can you believe it?
0:07:58 > 0:07:59He's done it again!
0:07:59 > 0:08:04Ruan Pienaar is just incredible!
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Those couple of weeks just was...
0:08:06 > 0:08:07I don't know what to think about it,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11cos to get three opportunities I think in four weeks,
0:08:11 > 0:08:17you know, to be in a position to kick the final kick and win the match or lose it, you know,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21was unreal and I don't think I've ever experienced something like that.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24You can't really underestimate what happened in those couple of
0:08:24 > 0:08:27weeks to the team, cos I think that really put us in good
0:08:27 > 0:08:30stead for what was to come the next couple of years.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35While great things were happening on the pitch,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Ruan was very busy off it.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42He attended Christian events across the province with many of his team-mates.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47Ruan's faith is something which is very important to him.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51And one of the reasons he came to Northern Ireland.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53I struggled to make the decision to come abroad
0:08:53 > 0:08:57and sort of felt I had to go, and then ended up praying
0:08:57 > 0:09:00and the pastor's from Manchester and he said, "Listen, I feel
0:09:00 > 0:09:03"that you've got a big decision to make regarding your career."
0:09:03 > 0:09:06And he said that, "The Lord's opened this door for you,
0:09:06 > 0:09:08"so it's safe for you to take this,
0:09:08 > 0:09:13"and he's not only going to use you to play rugby, but also to spread your word" and, you know,
0:09:13 > 0:09:17I feel I've been given a platform as a rugby player to do that,
0:09:17 > 0:09:19just to glorify God for what he's given me,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21the talents that he's given me, so, you know,
0:09:21 > 0:09:25for people to be open to that in Northern Ireland is really special.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27He's very adamant that, you know,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30he's here because he felt God called him here at the time,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33and he would say he doesn't have it all made in his life,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36he doesn't have a perfect life, he still makes mistakes,
0:09:36 > 0:09:38you know, he's not a perfect human.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42But he believes, and I believe, you know, that God's forgiven him
0:09:42 > 0:09:45for his sins and he just wants to tell other people about that.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51More than 40,000 people across Ulster have heard Ruan speak
0:09:51 > 0:09:52and share his story.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57Loads of the guys have the same beliefs and we've managed to
0:09:57 > 0:10:00start a little prayer meeting on a weekly basis.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03It's great to meet with about six, seven guys and meet on
0:10:03 > 0:10:04a weekly basis.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07And to know that you've got that support and, you know, the
0:10:07 > 0:10:10people with the same beliefs as you obviously is great.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11And the other guys also respect it.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- CROWD SING:- Stand up for the Ulstermen!
0:10:15 > 0:10:19It was now just over a year since Ruan's arrival in Belfast.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22And Ulster's fortunes were on the up.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Terrific Ulster scrum.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25Williams in all sorts of trouble.
0:10:25 > 0:10:26But here's Pienaar.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28He's pulling the ears back.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30He's not going to let this one go.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35Bonus point try time for Ulster, courtesy of Ruan Pienaar.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Here's Dan Tuohy. Inside once again.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Oh, it's going to be a second Ulster try in the space of two minutes.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43And it's Ruan Pienaar.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51By the end of his second season, the team, now captained by
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Johann Muller, reached the final of rugby's biggest club
0:10:54 > 0:10:59competition, the European Cup, for the first time in 13 years.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05To see how many people from Belfast travel.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08I remember after our team meeting walking down the stairs.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10It was packed with Ulster supporters.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12You could hardly get out of the hotel.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:11:14 > 0:11:16Managed to get outside onto the bus and it was just Ulster supporters
0:11:16 > 0:11:20everywhere on our way to the stadium.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23And it would have made you emotional to realise how big this
0:11:23 > 0:11:25occasion was, not only for us,
0:11:25 > 0:11:29but for the whole of Belfast and Northern Ireland.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Ulster lost the final to Leinster,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35but it had been an unforgettable run.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Oh, good feet, well done.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42It's not just by playing rugby that Ruan Pienaar made
0:11:42 > 0:11:46a significant contribution to Ulster.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47Well done. Good stuff.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52He also spent hours coaching and inspiring countless others in
0:11:52 > 0:11:55schools and clubs across the province.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56Eyes back here.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00The thing that's probably so special about Ruan is what people don't see, like,
0:12:00 > 0:12:02there was never any doubt about how good a player he was when
0:12:02 > 0:12:07he signed, but for me it's watching how much he's changed as a person.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Oh, he's open! Well done.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Can't seem to do enough for people and, do you know,
0:12:12 > 0:12:13the people just love him.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Ah, that's a good kick.
0:12:17 > 0:12:18Well done.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Right, so, just keep it in your hand and then...
0:12:20 > 0:12:21Just a nice strike, OK.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24The impact he's had has been phenomenal.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26Easy, look at that.
0:12:26 > 0:12:27Well done.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31Probably a greater impact than any other player that's played for Ulster that's not born and bred.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34He's immersed himself in the culture.
0:12:34 > 0:12:35Cheers.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38People who don't even necessarily follow rugby would know who
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Ruan Pienaar is and know of him,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43and know the good work that he's done all round Ulster.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45And that's a credit to him as an individual.
0:12:46 > 0:12:47ENGINE RUNS
0:12:48 > 0:12:52In 2013, as Ulster started a multi-million-pound
0:12:52 > 0:12:55redevelopment of their stadium...
0:12:56 > 0:12:59..Ruan was helping build momentum on the pitch.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00Here's Pienaar.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Lovely little show of the ball.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Maybe the kick wasn't the right option. But he's charged it down.
0:13:06 > 0:13:07Pienaar. And he's scored!
0:13:07 > 0:13:09Well, it was the right option after all!
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Well, Pienaar can do just about everything.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Charged down by Pienaar. It's going to be a third try,
0:13:17 > 0:13:21a second charge-down try in two games by Ruan Pienaar.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26And can he do no wrong, this amazing Springbok?
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Try-scorer Hewitt gets it away. Oh, it's been intercepted.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Pienaar, he's got it back for Ulster.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34CHEERING
0:13:34 > 0:13:39Ulster reached the final of the Pro12 league play-offs in Dublin.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41He will strike it as hard as he possibly can.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45He's given it a good thump. That's trying to carry.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46And he's got it.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Ruan scored all 18 points.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51To make it five out of five.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57But Ulster were defeated by Leinster once again.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58CROWD SING
0:13:58 > 0:14:01The respect the people's got for the players and the way they
0:14:01 > 0:14:06support the team, whether it's hail, snow, sunshine, they're there.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Really humbling to see the people's appreciation of what I've
0:14:09 > 0:14:12tried to do on the pitch and the team's tried to do on the pitch,
0:14:12 > 0:14:14and they've made it extremely special.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16PLAYERS CHAT
0:14:16 > 0:14:19So, to the start of this season.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Ruan, aged 32, was keen to try and renew his contract to see out
0:14:26 > 0:14:27his career in Belfast.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33But he was informed by Ulster that the sport's governing body, the
0:14:33 > 0:14:38Irish Rugby Football Union, would not sanction a further extension.
0:14:40 > 0:14:46The IRFU stated that they wanted Ulster to develop players who
0:14:46 > 0:14:49have a chance of going on to play for Ireland.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54Ruan, they said, was preventing Irish-qualified Ulster players
0:14:54 > 0:14:56from maximising their potential.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58BBC NEWSLINE MUSIC
0:14:58 > 0:15:04Sport, and Ulster Rugby says it wanted one of its star players, Ruan Pienaar, to stay.
0:15:05 > 0:15:11When the news broke, there was shock and anger amongst Ulster supporters.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16Rules seem to be rules in Dublin, and I'd have to say,
0:15:16 > 0:15:20if he was a Leinster player, I don't think he'd be leaving.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24I assume he has assisted not only the like of Paddy Jackson the inside, but other players, as well.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28He's done nothing but good for Ulster Rugby and I think it's a disgrace he's having to leave.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Nobody wants him to leave and he doesn't want to leave, so I think they really should sort out
0:15:31 > 0:15:35their rules and allow for situations like this.
0:15:35 > 0:15:3848 hours after the announcement,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Pienaar turned in another man-of-the-match performance.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- COMMENTARY:- Pienaar has charged it down.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Try number three for Ulster!
0:15:45 > 0:15:47And guess who?
0:15:47 > 0:15:51Ulster Rugby fought hard with the IRFU to try and keep their
0:15:51 > 0:15:52star signing.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56We wanted him to stay. We wanted him to stay badly.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58We did everything in our power to do that.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01We spent months negotiating and looked at all sorts of different
0:16:01 > 0:16:04permutations, everything you could possibly think of to try and
0:16:04 > 0:16:08encourage, I suppose, the IRFU to say "Listen, it's worth the punt,
0:16:08 > 0:16:10"let him stay for a little bit longer."
0:16:10 > 0:16:13But ultimately they are the employers.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15They are the ones that dictate.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19After you get the news and you are disappointed,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22then the anger kicked in a bit.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25I truly believe he's brought so much to Ulster Rugby,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28and he can offer so much to Irish rugby.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29Even if he can't play,
0:16:29 > 0:16:33he can help develop young players to play for Ireland one day.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38That made me angry, cos I thought, like, "He has given so much."
0:16:38 > 0:16:43There's kids involved and they are just asking us to leave,
0:16:43 > 0:16:48even though we want to stay, Ulster wanted him to stay, so, yeah,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51I'm definitely going to laugh, I said I wasn't angry.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54RUAN'S DAUGHTER LEMAY SINGS
0:16:55 > 0:16:58I'm sort of at the back end of my career, so I felt that,
0:16:58 > 0:17:02"Listen, if I can even stay and I can help youngsters come through the system..."
0:17:02 > 0:17:03THEY CHEER
0:17:03 > 0:17:06"..and sort of help them along with their careers,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09"I would be happy to do that," but the decision's been made.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11I need to respect that.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15And I think when you bring kids into consideration, you know,
0:17:15 > 0:17:20that's what really, you know, hurt me, that we couldn't stay,
0:17:20 > 0:17:23so, yeah, it's a difficult one, obviously.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24Yes!
0:17:24 > 0:17:26THEY CHEER
0:17:26 > 0:17:27Well done. Catch!
0:17:27 > 0:17:29It's stressful.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31And you've got to explain all of this to your kids,
0:17:31 > 0:17:36which isn't easy, so, yeah, it's been quite challenging.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- Big treat, this, today. - Yeah, I know.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45'I feel it's actually harder to leave Belfast than it was to leave Durban.
0:17:45 > 0:17:46'This is home now for us,
0:17:46 > 0:17:51'and I think that says a lot about how we feel about Northern Ireland.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53'We're in the stage of getting our British citizenship.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56'This is home and think it would be difficult for anyone to leave'
0:17:56 > 0:18:00their home, especially if you weren't ready to go.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06The man who made the decision is Australian David Nucifora.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11He is the IRFU Performance Director, and sanctions which foreign players
0:18:11 > 0:18:16are allowed to be signed across the four professional teams in Ireland.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21Mr Barak could not be persuaded to change his mind.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25Through all those discussions, we didn't get the outcome that we all had hoped.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28It went to levels through the IRFU, and locally, politicians,
0:18:28 > 0:18:30you know, to try to make this happen.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35Unfortunately, it hit a pass and it was unable to do it, so we can
0:18:35 > 0:18:38argue till the cows come home, but ultimately you have to accept it.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41He's got support from Pienaar, and Ruan Pienaar is in under the posts.
0:18:41 > 0:18:47Right throughout European rugby, it was a huge shock that the IRFU would allow someone who'd come
0:18:47 > 0:18:50and given so much to one club, would allow him to leave.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54We all understand the IRFU policy around having local players
0:18:54 > 0:18:58and making sure that the opportunity is there for players to come
0:18:58 > 0:19:01through, but I would have argued very strongly that in Ruan's
0:19:01 > 0:19:03case, when you look at the pathway, when you look,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05he wasn't blocking any players coming through.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09For that reason I believe that he should have been allowed to finish his career here.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14If it wasn't for our faith, I think it would have been more difficult.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19When we really just sat and we obviously prayed about it.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23What makes it easier is there is a bigger plan for us,
0:19:23 > 0:19:28so I think that started to help me to just work through the anger, as well.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Pienaar's there. Pienaar's going to get in.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34Nobody's going to lay a glove on him.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36When he was at the peak of his career, had literally been
0:19:36 > 0:19:38playing such a central role in delivering Ulster success.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41When we sat down to re-negotiate, his agent was pretty clear
0:19:41 > 0:19:45that there were all the top clubs in France and England that were
0:19:45 > 0:19:47looking at him, and probably every time, you thought he was going to go,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50when you saw the amount of money that he was being offered elsewhere.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Certainly a multiple two or three times what Ulster were able to pay him.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57I suppose in many ways, that's why it was turned round the other
0:19:57 > 0:19:59way and the opportunity to keep him was there.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02There's probably a huge sense of disappointment that that loyalty
0:20:02 > 0:20:04that he has shown to the club wasn't reciprocated.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Ruan never, ever made it about the money.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10And for me, in the modern game,
0:20:10 > 0:20:13that's one of the qualities that summed him up.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Despite numerous attempts by us,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19the IRFU said David Nucifora was too busy
0:20:19 > 0:20:22to record an interview for this programme.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Well, Ruan Pienaar intercepts, and Pienaar gets away.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Pienaar has a dart himself. Gives it to Peter Nelson.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32Peter Nelson runs up over halfway. He's got Paul Marshall with him.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36Nelson inside to Paul Marshall. Back inside to Stockdale.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40Ruan didn't let this disappointment affect him.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Marshall gets it away. Gives it to Pienaar. Pienaar's going to score!
0:20:44 > 0:20:49It's going to be bonus-point time for Ruan Pienaar and for Ulster!
0:20:49 > 0:20:52And that has to be the try of the season!
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- My daughter's absolutely distraught that you are leaving.- OK.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59With just a few weeks left in Northern Ireland,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Ulster Rugby held a tribute dinner for Ruan.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- Are you all right?- Good, thanks, are you good?- Very good, thank you. - That's good.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07When we recruited Ruan,
0:21:07 > 0:21:11we were looking for somebody who was world-class as a player,
0:21:11 > 0:21:15who was world-class off the pitch, who would set the highest standards
0:21:15 > 0:21:20of training, of teamwork, and he has exceeded all our expectations.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25He has been tremendous on the pitch, he has galvanised the team,
0:21:25 > 0:21:27he has inspired the fans.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31And in his faith, in his personal life, he has done a great deal of good
0:21:31 > 0:21:33for very, very, many people in Ulster.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- Thank you for all you've done for Ulster.- Thank you very much. Thanks for coming.
0:21:37 > 0:21:38A travesty you're leaving.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42Every week, everybody sees, you know, the legacy he has left on the pitch in the performance
0:21:42 > 0:21:44he puts in week in, week out, so, you know,
0:21:44 > 0:21:46that kind of speaks for itself,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49but then what's not seen is what he does elsewhere,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52and how good a lad he is and how influential he is behind the scenes,
0:21:52 > 0:21:56so I think in every way he's really... He's become an Ulsterman.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58APPLAUSE
0:22:00 > 0:22:02On the park, off the park,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06grabbing a young guy and helping him with his kicking practice,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09talking to a young guy after a game and putting an arm around his
0:22:09 > 0:22:15shoulder, he's just a continuous sort of representation of
0:22:15 > 0:22:19what's all is good in rugby and, you know, he will be missed.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24It was time for Ruan's last game for Ulster.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31The club's most capped player, Roger Wilson, was also making his
0:22:31 > 0:22:33final appearance.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36It was going to be an emotional day.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- Hi, Ruan, hi. Godspeed.- Thank you.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49'Tried to take an afternoon out before the game as I always do,
0:22:49 > 0:22:52'and it was so tough, cos your mind just kept going in all directions.'
0:22:52 > 0:22:53It's going to be tough.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58'You play all different scenarios through your head, but,
0:22:58 > 0:23:00you know, trying to get through it all right was really the focus.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03I wasn't really worried about my performance and stuff.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10Ruan's dad had flown in to join the rest of the family for
0:23:10 > 0:23:13the big match against Leinster.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Obviously sad to say goodbye to all the team-mates and the fans, but
0:23:46 > 0:23:50at a stage in the warm up, I thought, "How am I going to get through this?"
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Cos I just didn't feel prepared to play a rugby match.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Bryn Cunningham phoned me, as well,
0:24:00 > 0:24:03and said the kids will be running out with me as well.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06That wasn't in the planning. And that sort of made it even worse.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Are you going to run?
0:24:09 > 0:24:10- Yeah.- Papa's coming.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13CHEERING FROM DRESSING ROOM
0:24:13 > 0:24:16APPLAUSE
0:24:18 > 0:24:21As soon as I saw the family there, just, tears started running through
0:24:21 > 0:24:25my, you know, down my cheeks, so it was pretty emotional.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32CHANTING: Ruan! Ruan! Ruan!
0:24:35 > 0:24:38CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:24:44 > 0:24:47CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:24:49 > 0:24:52CHANTING: Ruan! Ruan! Ruan!
0:24:55 > 0:24:58I think, cos it was such a long build-up and you thought about
0:24:58 > 0:24:59what it's going to be like,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02your last game for Ulster, I think everything just boiled over.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Good luck, brother, all right?
0:25:09 > 0:25:12It was a really special occasion. I think the support was fantastic.
0:25:12 > 0:25:17Amongst the fans for the fond farewell was friend Johann Muller,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20who had also travelled from South Africa.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24You know, three years ago I played my last game, you know,
0:25:24 > 0:25:27at this exact same stadium, and Ruan was in the car with
0:25:27 > 0:25:31me when we left home, you know, that afternoon on our way to Ravenhill,
0:25:31 > 0:25:35and we shed a tear together in the car and I said to him, then,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38"Ruan, when you play your last game I'll be here, you know, for you, as well."
0:25:38 > 0:25:41He never believed me, so I think he was very surprised to see me.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- COMMENTARY:- Still Pienaar. And again it's Herring.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Very close to that line.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51Presented there, Luke Marshall. Can he squeeze over?
0:25:51 > 0:25:53All they have to do is touch the base of the post.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55All the pressure coming from the men in white at the moment.
0:25:57 > 0:25:58My daddy there!
0:26:00 > 0:26:01LOUD ATMOSPHERE
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Pienaar runs wide, little chip.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Trimble. Gathers and scores!
0:26:08 > 0:26:10CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:26:11 > 0:26:17Ulster's captain takes the perfect kick from one of Ulster's legends.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19And gets the second home try.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22It's nice to be here, but sad also,
0:26:22 > 0:26:26because Ruan is a great Ulsterman, he wants to stay here, and, er...
0:26:26 > 0:26:31It was heartbreaking, you know, to think it's his last game for
0:26:31 > 0:26:35Ulster, and, yeah, that's very, very, very, very sad.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Grandchildren, you know, it's unbelievable.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:26:45 > 0:26:49CHANTING: Ruan! Ruan! Ruan!
0:26:55 > 0:26:58MONIQUE SOBS
0:26:58 > 0:27:00CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:27:05 > 0:27:07CHANTING: Ruan! Ruan! Ruan!
0:27:08 > 0:27:10'It was incredible to have the kids there,
0:27:10 > 0:27:12'Monique on the pitch with me, my dad.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14'That was really special to have them there.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19'And my dad's come a long way to watch the game, and I know that he was really, um, proud,
0:27:19 > 0:27:24'and he was really pleased that he could have been here and, yeah, I'm just so happy
0:27:24 > 0:27:27'that he could be here to experience that with us
0:27:27 > 0:27:32'as a family and, yeah, just to see that appreciation of the fans
0:27:32 > 0:27:35'and, yeah, one that I'll definitely remember for a long time.'
0:27:40 > 0:27:43My man! Well done, brother. Well done. Awesome.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- COMMENTARY:- The accolade of the season.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:27:50 > 0:27:54Farewell and many, many, many thanks,
0:27:54 > 0:28:00to the utterly magnificent Ruan Pienaar.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06What a difference he has made. What an impression he has made.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09What a standard he has set.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11And what a legacy he will leave.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16- Well done, buddy.- Thanks. - Well done, buddy.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18APPLAUSE
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- Thanks.- Are you all right?- Yeah.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34'It's humbling when you run off the pitch and you know it's your last time,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38'and to see the support that we've been given over the last couple of years and to, you know,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41'to get an ovation like that and get the win on the day for
0:28:41 > 0:28:45'me was enough, and to finish on a high like that was incredible.'
0:28:47 > 0:28:51Ruan now only has a few days left in Northern Ireland
0:28:51 > 0:28:55before he and his family move to the south of France.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59He's joining a new club - Montpellier.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03But it won't be long before he returns.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07I would love to come back and get involved with the academy if I can.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09I enjoy schoolboy rugby.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12I enjoy, like, seeing youngsters coming through
0:29:12 > 0:29:15I think might be a potential rugby player and play for
0:29:15 > 0:29:18a province or for their country one day.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20So that's something I'm passionate about,
0:29:20 > 0:29:22and if that would be possible I'd love to do that,
0:29:22 > 0:29:26but even if it's not, I think we'll still end up in Northern Ireland.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29That's.. I think we are 99% sure that we'd love to come back here
0:29:29 > 0:29:31and come and settle here one day.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36I think Ruan can leave here knowing that he has made
0:29:36 > 0:29:39a change, and he's really someone that you can look up to.
0:29:40 > 0:29:46And getting... Seeing the letters he gets every day from parents just
0:29:46 > 0:29:52thanking him for the influence he's had on their kids, that is just...
0:29:52 > 0:29:54That made everything worth it.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59We've had a great time here. It's been awesome.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02My family's grown and we're happy.
0:30:02 > 0:30:03This is home for us now.