Stander Commits To Munster For Two More Years

Munster Rugby and the IRFU can today confirm that CJ Stander has signed a two-year contract extension that will see him remain with the province until at least June 2018.

Since joining Munster in October 2012, CJ Stander has gone on to make 69 appearances and has scored 22 tries to date.

In making 26 appearances last season, the powerful back rower picked up seven man-of-the-match awards and was named the Munster Rugby Player of the Year in April, becoming the first overseas player to win the accolade.

This season, in the absence of injured squad captain Peter O’Mahony, the 25-year-old has taken over the captaincy duties and was nominated as the team’s skipper for the European Champions Cup pool stages.

The former South African Under-20 international made his Munster debut against the Scarlets in Cork in November 2012, and went on to make his European bow against Edinburgh at Murrayfield in October 2013.

Commenting on the news, Munster head coach Anthony Foley said: “Getting this news at this stage of the seasons is a great boost for the squad. In securing the services of CJ for a further two years, we are holding on to a key player within our group, one that gives everything to the jersey each week.

“At such a young age he has shown his leadership qualities on and off the field and we know there is still more to come so we look forward to working with CJ in to the future.”

CJ added: “I am delighted to be committing my future to Munster Rugby. This is very much home for me and it is a huge honour to represent the red jersey every week. I look forward to continuing my journey with the team and supporters.”