RUGBY: Ulster hopeful of Pienaar return

Ulster were holding out hope that South African scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar would be fit to start their Guinness PRO12 League opener against NG Dragons on Friday night.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Aug 2016, 13:26 BST
Updated 29th Aug 2016, 14:31 BST
Ulster's Ruan PienaarUlster's Ruan Pienaar
Ulster's Ruan Pienaar

The Springbok has an elbow injury but has been training and director of rugby Les Kiss remained confident.

“I have spoken to Ruan and he was positive. He did a good session (on Friday) with minimal contact.

“It’s an elbow issue and there is no real ligament damage.

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“I would say at this stage we’re more hopeful than not for next week.”

However, it looks as though Louis Ludik is set to miss the first couple of weeks of the new campaign.

A try scorer in Friday’s 29-19 win over Northampton Saints at Kingspan Stadium, the utility back was forced off in the second half with a finger injury.

“We are hopeful that it is nothing too sinister and we will wait for some good news on Monday.

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“It was a hand trauma. A finger, it split the top, a bit of the joint and ligament.”

With the prop situation already an issue, Kiss did not think Ricky Lutton would be ready to return with a groin issue.

“It is a hard injury to guage and we will not be taking any chances,” said Kiss.

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