Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
EMOTIONAL FAREWELL
RUAN PIENAAR is busy packing up his life and seven years of memories as he prepares to leave Belfast, but not before he runs out as an Ulster player for the very last time tonight. The World Cup-winning South African and Roger Wilson, who is retiring 14 years after making his Ulster debut, will jointly captain the side in this evening’s exhibition against the Barbarians at Kingspan Stadium (7.30). “The Leinster game a few weeks ago was emotional and for me that was the real send off, but this is an opportunity to run out with the guys one last time. “It will be nice to share the moment with Roger and we are playing a good Barbarians team.” In a few weeks time, Pienaar will start pre-season training with French outfit Montpellier. “I’ve got to sort out the house and plan the move so it’s exciting times but also sad times to leave Belfast,” he said. “I’ve only got good memories from the day I came and I’ve never regretted coming to Ulster.” Wilson made 221 competitive appearances for Ulster in two stints, after making his debut in 2003. And, like Pienaar, he knows their emotional farewell after the Leinster game will be hard to beat. “That’s the thing... it was almost the fairytale ending,” said Wilson. “For a few days afterwards, I almost did wish it was the last game but I’ve got my best man coming over from Dubai and another good friend who always said they’d be there for my last game. “I didn’t know I’d be playing against Leinster, so we just decided on this one as I knew I’d definitely be involved.” “But will be nice to pull on that jersey.” It’s the last game ever for Wilson but for most of his Ulster team-mates it’s the last game of the season – and as ever he will be in charge of the post-match entertainment. “Yeah, one last social to organise,” he said. “I’ll happily take the reins for that. “We’ll get a good night out after. “It’ll be a good occasion and a nice way to sign off.” Ireland internationals Mike Ross and Ian Madigan start for the Baa-baas, with French legend Thierry Dusautoir, inset, playing in his last game before hanging up his boots.