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The coronavirus pandemic which has halted rugby has at least brought a silver lining for Cheetahs scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar.
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The PRO14 has been suspended indefinitely due to the virus but has given Pienaar time to recover from a back injury that has plagued him in recent weeks.
"I have to consult with the back specialist on 3 April and I think there is enough time for my back to fully recover and get strong again. I think the only advantage in not playing rugby at the moment is that the players who are struggling with injury can fully recover for when play resumes," Pienaar told Netwerk24.
The 88 Test-capped Springbok sustained the injury in his team's captain's run prior to their final tour match against the Dragons in Wales late last month.
The Cheetahs lost the game 13-10 and it left them in fourth position in Conference A, with six wins from 13 matches.
The men from Bloemfontein halted their training last week and are left in the dark as to when they will play rugby again.
"Look, it's a frustrating period, but we understand the circumstances. At this stage your health is of far greater importance than playing rugby, no matter how much we'd like to play," Pienaar added.
PRO14 organisers have cancelled the final which was set for Cardiff on 20 June.
However, should the pandemic ease up, they would look to restart the competition later in the year, if possible.
- Compiled by Herman Mostert
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