CJ STANDER HAS turned down reported interest from French club Montpellier to sign a new three-year contract with the IRFU in a deal which will see him remain at Munster until June 2021.
The Ireland international follows Peter O’Mahony and Tadhg Furlong in committing his future to the union on a central contract basis ahead of the 2019 World Cup.
Out of contract at the end of the season, recent reports linked Stander with a move to the Top 14 and suggested a lucrative offer had been tabled by Montpellier, but both Munster and the player refuted those claims and said it was always his intention to remain in Ireland.
“Following a lot of speculation and unfounded articles in the media, I am delighted to announce that I have signed a new three-year contract with the IRFU through to 2021,” Stander said.
“My intention was always to stay with Munster and Ireland throughout this process having settled well in Limerick with my wife and within the Munster family.
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“The coaching setup, ethos and work ethic within both camps is tremendous and I’m very excited at the prospect of playing my part in achieving great things through hard work and determination with both squads.
“My wife and I took a leap of faith and have made a lot of sacrifices to be here but it has all been worthwhile especially given how much of a privilege it is to wear the Munster and Ireland jerseys when given that responsibility. Ireland is a special country in which to live and play rugby and I’m fully aware of that.
“The Munster and Ireland fans have been fantastic to us since we arrived and my continued focus will be to do my best for them and both teams when called upon.”
Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Stander made his Munster debut in November 2012 and has won 105 caps for the southern province, scoring 32 tries in that time.
His performances in red saw him earn a first Ireland cap in the opening game of the 2016 Six Nations campaign against Wales and the 27-year-old has become an integral part of Joe Schmidt’s side.
In total, he has made 18 appearances for Ireland and has played a key role in wins over New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and England over the last 12 months. Stander was also selected for the 2017 Lions tour and featured in the decisive third Test.
In becoming the latest high-profile player to reaffirm his commitment to Irish rugby, Stander provides the IRFU with another huge boost as the World Cup in Japan nears.
“CJ has made a huge contribution to both Munster and Irish Rugby,” IRFU high performance director David Nucifora commented.
“It has not been an easy or straight-forward road but he has shown great determination and commitment in both red and green and continues to perform at a very high level week in and week out.”
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
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'My intention was always to stay': CJ Stander signs new IRFU contract
CJ STANDER HAS turned down reported interest from French club Montpellier to sign a new three-year contract with the IRFU in a deal which will see him remain at Munster until June 2021.
The Ireland international follows Peter O’Mahony and Tadhg Furlong in committing his future to the union on a central contract basis ahead of the 2019 World Cup.
Out of contract at the end of the season, recent reports linked Stander with a move to the Top 14 and suggested a lucrative offer had been tabled by Montpellier, but both Munster and the player refuted those claims and said it was always his intention to remain in Ireland.
“Following a lot of speculation and unfounded articles in the media, I am delighted to announce that I have signed a new three-year contract with the IRFU through to 2021,” Stander said.
“My intention was always to stay with Munster and Ireland throughout this process having settled well in Limerick with my wife and within the Munster family.
“The coaching setup, ethos and work ethic within both camps is tremendous and I’m very excited at the prospect of playing my part in achieving great things through hard work and determination with both squads.
“My wife and I took a leap of faith and have made a lot of sacrifices to be here but it has all been worthwhile especially given how much of a privilege it is to wear the Munster and Ireland jerseys when given that responsibility. Ireland is a special country in which to live and play rugby and I’m fully aware of that.
“The Munster and Ireland fans have been fantastic to us since we arrived and my continued focus will be to do my best for them and both teams when called upon.”
Stander made his Munster debut in November 2012 and has won 105 caps for the southern province, scoring 32 tries in that time.
His performances in red saw him earn a first Ireland cap in the opening game of the 2016 Six Nations campaign against Wales and the 27-year-old has become an integral part of Joe Schmidt’s side.
In total, he has made 18 appearances for Ireland and has played a key role in wins over New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and England over the last 12 months. Stander was also selected for the 2017 Lions tour and featured in the decisive third Test.
In becoming the latest high-profile player to reaffirm his commitment to Irish rugby, Stander provides the IRFU with another huge boost as the World Cup in Japan nears.
“CJ has made a huge contribution to both Munster and Irish Rugby,” IRFU high performance director David Nucifora commented.
“It has not been an easy or straight-forward road but he has shown great determination and commitment in both red and green and continues to perform at a very high level week in and week out.”
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
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CJ Stander Done Deal Staying Put?