Ruan Pienaar has returned to training at Montpellier following his six-week compassionate leave following the death of his sister.
However, his future with the French side appears to be uncertain.
The former South African No 9, hasn’t played for the Top 14 side since their Champions Cup loss to Edinburgh in January and coach Vern Cotter has confirmed Pienaar needs to get back up to speed physically after his time away.
“Because he hasn’t done anything physical, his first aim will be to get back on form in the space of three weeks. Then if the team needs him he’ll bring all his experience with him,” he said.
In any case, there was a mid-season split among the team’s dressing room and the former Ulsterman was apparently involved. The team are also currently sitting in ninth in the Top 14 table, having gone all the way to the final last year.
With only six games remaining in the regular season and with Pienaar currently not up for selection it looks unlikely that he will play again this season.
All of this coupled with the fact that his contract in France running out next year it appears that the scrum-half may look at other options, with a return to the Pro14 on the cards as the Cheetahs are linked wit him.
Hopefully, the half-back will not only get back in shape but be back playing regularly with whatever team and back to his spectacular self.
