Stander agrees to stay in Ireland
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.
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 set-up, 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.”
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 British & Irish Lions tour and featured in the decisive third Test.
“CJ has made a huge contribution to both Munster and Irish Rugby,” IRFU high performance director David Nucifora said.
“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.”