Ruan Pienaar, a former Springboks back, is expected to follow a similar career path as Rassie Erasmus as he approaches the end of his playing days. Pienaar extended his contract with the Cheetahs last year, keeping him in the game beyond his 40th birthday. With his retirement approaching, Pienaar has long been considered a potential coach, with Ulster showing interest in him in 2017 and 2019. Now, the Cheetahs are lining him up for a coaching role, and there is a possibility he may go straight into the head coach position. Frans Steyn, who is currently the director of rugby for the Cheetahs, is discussing Pienaar's future with him. This potential career move would mirror the path taken by Rassie Erasmus, who transitioned from player to head coach with the Cheetahs before leading the South African national team to Rugby World Cup victories.
