The IRFU kicked up a stink in rugby circles when they enforced their own player rules to prevent Ulster from giving a contract extension to South African scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar. Ulster are losing a key player, and one who will be difficult to replace.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have Ruan Pienaar in almost any team in the world - but the IRFU is absolutely right to do what they did.
Pienaar will go down in history as one of the best imports that Irish Rugby has ever had with the likes of Rocky Elsom, Isa Nacewa, and Doug Howlett. But unlike Elsom, Nacewa, and Howlett - Pienaar's continued stay in Ireland has prevented young Irish scrumhalves from developing.
Paul Marshall never got the chance to start for a consistent period of time for Ulster, and at 31-years-old has almost had a wasted career. He never really got the chance to start in big games, because when Pienaar is there you play him. It's not a case of Marshall not being good enough - it was Pienaar being too good to leave out.
Another young talent, Michael Heaney, who shined coming off the bench in periods, was stuck behind Pienaar and Marshall, and forced to take his talents to other pastures. Now when Pienaar leaves, Ulster are stuck at the position. Marshall is too old having never had starter experience. There is no other scrumhalf in Ulster's squad who has a start for Ulster. David Shanahan has some games off the bench, Angus Lloyd is a recent signing from Clontarf - neither can be relied upon.
Pienaar's absence could actually benefit Ulster in other ways too. Paddy Jackson will be forced to take on more responsibility - which is the right time for him to do that. He made huge strides in his career in the last two years, and this can help him make another step.
It also frees up another NIQ spot for Ulster to use on areas of their squad that are screaming out for it. Ulster are very shallow in the front row, and back row, and need to find a reliable back-up to Jackson. Now they have some manoeuvrability to be able to improve their squad.
Pienaar's departure also allows Munster to sign a quality scrumhalf to alleviate some pressure on Conor Murray. Munster's options behind Murray aren't good, and they were hamstrung by the inability to sign a scrumhalf because of Pienaar's presence in Belfast.
While the departure of a then 33-year-old Ruan Pienaar coming down from his peak will be a blow to Ulster - but it's important to remember that there are more positives than negatives for Ulster and Irish Rugby coming from his move to the exit door.
Pienaar has been a fantastic servant to Ulster and Irish Rugby, and we should be thanking him for his six-year stay in Belfast.
See Also: Ruan Pienaar To Leave Ulster Due To IRFU Rules
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
