Ruan Pienaar says he doesn’t regret calling time on his Springbok career two years ago.
In an interview with KweséESPN, Pienaar reflects on his 88-cap Bok career, and insists that he has no regrets over his decision to retire from international rugby despite still playing for French club Montpellier.
‘I am very happy with where I am now,’ he said. ‘I’ve got a young family and when you live abroad, you do sense that you need to spend a bit more time at home.’
Pienaar featured primarily at scrumhalf for the Springboks, but also started Tests at fullback and flyhalf.
‘In the beginning, you don’t mind, you want to be involved and play wherever they put you, but over time you realise that you have to pick a position and stick to it,’ Pienaar said.
‘That versatility tag is sometimes not the greatest thing as you are seen as a bench player to cover a few positions. I enjoyed playing a bit of flyhalf, fullback and scrumhalf, but the latter is the position I enjoyed most.
‘You see a lot of players that never really reach the potential as they should have because they have this “versatility tag” and are seen as an impact player. So it probably isn’t the greatest thing.’
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