Ruan Pienaar: Departing Ulster scrum-half aims to return as coach

Ruan Pienaar was a member of South Africa's successful World Cup squad

Ruan Pienaar is leaving Ulster at the end of the season but the scrum-half is already planning to return as a coach when his playing career ends.

The 33-year-old South African was not offered a new contract because of the IRFU's succession policy, which seeks to develop homegrown talent.

"I would like to come back to Ulster in a coaching capacity," said Pienaar, who joined the Pro12 side in 2010.

"I would see my starting point as an underage or youth coach."

Pienaar has been a key player for Ulster since his arrival on a two-year contract from Natal Sharks.

The Springbok, who has won 88 international caps, has scored an impressive 877 points in 137 appearances for Ulster.