It may have been two and a half (and a bit) years since Ruan Pienaar last wore the Ulster jersey, but seeing him run out against the Province on Saturday night in the colours of the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein was in many ways unusual.
It was always going to be a no win situation for Ireland on Thursday when they faced Russia and sought to banish the demons of last Saturday’s shock World Cup Pool loss to Japan.
There is so much to look forward to at this year’s Ulster Grand Prix as the world’s top out-and-out road racers prepare to dazzle once more around the historic Dundrod course.
World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea has shown incredible resilience as the Northern Ireland man’s dream of winning a record fifth crown in 2019 remains alive with half of the season completed.
The physical clash between British Supersport Championship rivals Jack Kennedy and Alastair Seeley at Brands Hatch on Saturday has created quite a stir.
The overriding narrative from last year’s Isle of Man TT was reinforced last week as Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison proved they are on a different level to their rivals.
Saturday’s 90th anniversary North West 200 did not produce a spectacle befitting of the proud milestone, but neither could the first major international road race of the year be described as a total damp squib.
The sense of anticipation is palpable on the North coast ahead of Tuesday’s opening practice sessions for the fonaCAB International North West 200 in association with Nicholl Oils.
Rory Best and Darren Cave are set to make their final appearances for Ulster at home on Saturday evening when the Province takes on Connacht in a Guinness PRO14 semi-final qualifier (Kingspan Stadium 5:35pm)
