Friday Afternoon Round Up

Ruan Pienaar retires from international rugby

Capped 88 times by South Africa and a member of the 2007 world cup winning squad, Pienaar says he wants to shift his focus on helping Ulster win silverware before he departs Belfast at the end of the season.

“I think that’s probably it. I’m happy with my decision, I’ll put my energy into Ulster now and whatever is waiting for me in the next year or two. “ I’m still supporting the guys but that’s probably the end,” said Pienaar.

The 32-year-old, who plays for Irish side Ulster, will leave the club at the end of the season due to the RFU's succession policy but said he hoped his situation didn't deter other players from joining the club.

2 Warriors undergo surgery

Glasgow Warriors has confirmed that second-row duo Scott Cummings and Greg Peterson have both undergone shoulder surgery.

Cummings was injured in the pre-season game against Gloucester in August, while USA international Peterson came off during the match against Ulster at Scotstoun last month.

Both players have began rehab and are expected to out of the field for six months.

Engelbrecht heads to France

EP Kings loose forward Jacques Engelbrecht has signed a two-year contract with French second division side Montauban.

"This is an opportunity for me to get my foot in the door and get back to playing my best rugby," Engelbrecht said.

"My time at Boland was really good for my rugby. I found my confidence in the last two games against the Blue Bulls and Western Province."

The 31-year-old played for the Boland Cavaliers in this year's Currie Cup competition. He was part of a group of contracted players for the EP Kings to play in next year's Super Rugby competition but has decided to move on.