Ireland forward CJ Stander has announced that he will be retiring from rugby, citing the "unfair toll" his career has taken on his family.
South Africa-born CJ Stander only came into the Ireland fold in 2016, making his debut and winning Man-of-the-Match in a Six Nations draw against Wales. He became eligible to perform in green through residency having joined Munster in 2012.
In a post on social media today, the 30-year-old wrote 'During the lockdown, I did a stocktake of what matters most to 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 to allow me to live my dream.'
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMebcMzAEsB/
In what was a lengthy post, he added '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.'
It's expected that Stander will play his last game for Ireland this coming Saturday when Andy Farrell's side faces off against England in the Six Nations.
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