Ruan was acknowledged for his contribution to Ulster Rugby - on and off the field - over the past seven years. During that stint his performances, commitment and pride in the jersey have made him a true favourite among teammates, coaches, staff and supporters.
Unsurprisingly, Pienaar also won the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club Player of the Year.
Charles Piutau picked up the Bank of Ireland Player of the Year award, while Jacob Stockdale was BT Young Player of the Year.
Roger Wilson, who will also move on from Kingspan Stadium next month, received a special award for finishing his Ulster career as its most capped player, having made 221 appearances.
In addition, four players were presented with honours caps for reaching appearance milestones in the past 12 months; Luke Marshall (100), Rob Herring (100), Tommy Bowe (150) and Chris Henry (150).
AWARD NOMINEES (winners in bold)
Hughes Insurance Academy Player of the Year
Ross Kane
Robert Lyttle
Jonny Stewart
SONI Community Rugby Champion Awards
John Curry (Randalstown RFC)
Susan Spence (City of Derry RFC)
Richard Black (City of Armagh RFC)
Gary McFarlane (Larne RFC)
Referee of the Year
Jonny Erskine
The Errigle Inn Women's Player of the Year
Lauren Maginnis (Cooke RFC)
Claire McLaughlin (Cooke RFC)
Ilse van Staden (Cooke RFC)
Ulster U18 Girls Player of the Year
Claire Boles (Enniskillen RFC)
Vicky Irwin (Ballynahinch RFC)
Neve Jones (Malone RFC)
Ulster Carpets Youth Player of the Year
Evin Crummie (City of Armagh RFC)
Jack McIntosh (Rainey Old Boys RFC)
Michael O'Neill (Rainey Old Boys RFC)
Danske Bank Schools' Player of the Year
James Hume (RBAI)
Michael Lowry (RBAI)
Stewart Moore (Ballymena Academy)
Dorrington B Faulkner Award (sponsored by Perennials RFC)
Dr Johnnie Neary
Ken Goodall Outstanding Club Player of the Year
Joe Dunleavy (City of Derry RFC)
John McCusker (Rainey Old Boys RFC)
Tommy O'Hagan (Rainey Old Boys RFC)
Kukri Sports Club of the Year
Armagh RFC
Ballynahinch RFC
Malone RFC
Omagh RFC
Virginia RFC
Ulster Rugby Supporters Club Player of the Year
Ruan Pienaar
Sean Reidy
Charles Piutau
Rugby Writers' Player of the Year
Charles Piutau
Sean Reidy
Jacob Stockdale
BT Young Player of the Year
Tommy O'Hagan
Jacob Stockdale
Kieran Treadwell
Bank of Ireland Ulster Player of the Year
Paddy Jackson
Charles Piutau
Sean Reidy
Heineken Ulster Rugby Personality of the Year
Ruan Pienaar
