Stander announces shock retirement from the game

IRELAND and Lions star CJ Stander has announced his shock retirement at the end of the season.

In a lengthy statement, 30-year-old revealed he decided to walk away.

He will remain available for Munster and Ireland until the middle of the summer, and is also likely to be a strong contender for the Lions squad.

Stander won his 50th Test cap for his adopted country during Sunday’s 27-24 Guinness Six Nations win over Scotland.

“All professional sportspeople are told ‘you will know when the time is right to hang up your boots,’” Stander posted on Instagram. “It’s a sentiment one cannot fully comprehend until that day arrives.

“For me, that time has come, and I hereby publicly announce my retirement from all forms of rugby.

“I will be available to represent Munster until 27 June 2021 when my contract expires, and for International duty, until the end of the mid-year Test window.

“During the lockdown, I did a stocktake of what matters most to the has me in life. My faith, family and this incredible game I have played since I was six years old easily topped the list. However, I came to the realisation that my commitment to rugby has started to take an unfair toll on my family, who both in Limerick and South Africa have made considerable sacrifices for more than 25 years.

“I am not saddened by my decision. I’ve had a full and utterly enjoyable rugby career, and I can now look back on a journey that offered me rewards, memories and surprises beyond anything I could have scripted for myself. I wouldn’t change a thing.

“The 150 matches I played for Munster were some of the most precious and formative experiences of my life. My blood will remain Munster Red long after I have said my goodbyes.

“I have just played my 50th Test for Ireland. I have never considered myself a foreigner in an Irish jumper, but I knew this environment would only reward hard work, devotion and the forging of authentic relationships.”