Toulon come calling for Ruan Pienaar

Ulster scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar has emerged as a target for the European champions Toulon, according to reports in France.

With Pienaar’s contract with the Irish province due to expire at the end of the season, Toulon are understood to want to bring the 29-year-old playmaker to the Top 14.

The French sports daily, L’Equipe, have claimed Toulon have already made an offer to Pienaar to secure his services next year.

The French club, who already have a sizeable South African contingent in their squad with Bakkies Botha, Bryan Habana, Danie Rossouw and Joe van Niekerk already on their playing roster, certainly have the financial muscle to tempt Pienaar to southern France.

Despite being well covered at scrumhalf – with Frederic Michalak, Sebastien Tillous-Borde and Michael Claassens competing for the number nine shirt – Pienaar would also provide an option at outhalf. Jonny Wilkinson, the current first choice, is due to retire at the end of this season.

Pienaar has become a huge crowd favourite at Ravenhill since he arrived in 2010, helping the province reach the 2012 Heineken Cup in 2012.

Despite sharing the kicking duties with Paddy Jackson, he has amassed 510 points in 63 appearances for Ulster.