Rugby legend Ruan wants you to get on your bike
Ulster and South African rugby star, Ruan Pienaar – well known for his Christian faith – will soon be leaving these shores for a new life in France. The 88–times–capped Springbok – a World Cup winner in 2007 – has enthralled and delighted rugby supporters in his adopted province since arriving in 2010. In seven outstanding seasons he has worn the Ulster shirt on 141 occasions and scored 877 points. His personal accolades include PRO 12 Player of the Year. And underlining the fact that he gave his all for the entirety of his time here, 2016–17 saw him win PRO 12 Try of the Season award, coupled with inclusion in the PRO 12 Dream Team. He has just completed an outstanding personal hat–trick by being named Ulster Rugby’s Heineken Personality of the Year for the season now ending. His departure, for Montpellier, is the result of a highly controversial decision by the Irish Rugby Football Union not to extend his Ulster contract. That is a ruling which has been roundly and loudly criticised and condemned by all sections of the media as well as rugby followers from all four provinces of Ireland. Ruan has made no secret of the fact that he had no desire to leave. Nor has he ever made any secret of his Christian faith. And there will be another proclamation of this before he departs. He is asking cyclists to join him in Tearfund’s Cycle for Freedom on Wednesday, June 14. It’s a cycle along the North Coast, the aim being to help protect up to 2,500 at–risk children across the globe. This is not for the faint–hearted or weak–limbed; it is a 90km test of strength and stamina. In addition, you must be able to raise sponsorship of at least £1,000. Ruan and some of Northern Ireland’s leading two–wheel enthusiasts want any who are keen, proficient and fit road–cyclists to join them on a ride which will be physically demanding as well as scenically spectacular. Starting in Coleraine at the Causeway Coast Vineyard, the cyclists will head towards the Glens of Antrim via the coastal route, before returning via rural roads. If you are over 18, a keen road cyclist and able to raise £1,000 in sponsorship, this is for you. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to meet Ruan, get on your road bike and contribute to the target figure of £90.000 for children at serious risk of trafficking, disease and disaster. Sign Up Now