Pienaar opens up after 'tough week'

Cape Town - Ulster scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar admitted it had been a "tough week" for his family but he was pleased with his solid performance against the Dragons.

Pienaar was man-of-the-match in his team's 29-8 win over the Welsh region at Kingspan Stadium, scoring a try and setting one up on Friday.

That helped paper over a difficult few days for the Springbok, who this week discovered he would not be remaining at Ulster after 2016/17.

The Irish Rugby Football Union stated Ulster had to let their South African leave at the end of the season due to the "succession policy".

"Emotionally, it's been a tough week for me and my family," Pienaar told BBC Sport following their opening PRO12 win at Kingspan Stadium.

"But it's pleasing to get the win and great to get a reception like this.

"I have been here for so long. I feel part of the furniture now. I love this club. I love this city and all the people here. It (the reception) meant a lot to me.

"For me, it's all about the team and the next 10 months here. Putting up good performances and just enjoying the time I've got left in the jersey."