The Springbok and Toyota Cheetahs scrumhalf, Ruan Pienaar, is approaching this week day-by-day in the lead up to their SA Cup clash against the Suzuki Griquas in Bloemfontein.

For the 40-year-old Pienaar it is his last week training with the team before he calls time on his career on Friday night.

The Rugby World Cup winner has long earmarked the derby to be his last as a professional player, while a few weeks ago he started stepping into coaching in the junior ranks at the Cheetahs.

Pienaar told OFM Sport that there hasn’t been time to reflect on his stellar career yet.

“I think it’s going to be a funny week and I really can't believe it,” said Pienaar.

“I know I've played rugby for a long time and it's tough to think it's all coming to an end now.

“I’ve got mixed feelings I guess, excited for what is coming next, but also, I'm sad that it's all coming to an end, so it's mixed feelings

“I don't think it's sunk in yet, and I think next week I'll probably start having time to reflect and look back on my career, so yeah it's uh yeah going to be an interesting week.”

Pienaar added as the game on Friday will be played at the ground where it all started for him after school, his journey as a player has come full circle.

“When I left the Cheetahs back in 2004 to join the Sharks, I probably never thought I'd play for the Free State again as I went overseas from there.

“I thought I'm going to finish my career over there and then at the age of 35-year-old, I think it was, I came back here.

“So yeah, it's gone full circle and it's special to finish it all in front of family and friends that I've got in Bloemfontein, so yes, it's really gone full circle and it's really special.”

Friday’s game between the Cheetahs and the Griquas at Shimla Park will kick-off at 18:00.

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Morgan Piek OFM Sport