Ulster signing Pienaar sidelined for six weeks

Ulster’s marquee signing Ruan Pienaar has been laid low for six weeks with an injury to his AC-joint.

The highly-rated Springbok, who can operate to equal effect at scrum-half or out-half, is due to complete his transfer from The Sharks to Ulster on September 1.

It is not a good start to a lucrative two-year contract that has increased the South African player influence at Ulster and sent a buzz of expectation around the province.