IRUPA player of the year CJ Stander has had a massive impact on Munster Rugby since he broke into the team two years ago. The South African-born Irish international has completely bought into the Munster ethos - and fans have immediately taken to him as one of their own.
His international debut went exactly as many people expected - with the backrower taking to the increased level like a duck to water. Such was his immediate comfort with test rugby, Stander went about doing everything he could to help the younger players of Ireland's new squad.
The Nevin Spence award winner for young player of the year, Josh van der Flier credits his Munster rival for helping him ease into the international stage and grow:
CJ has been absolutely unbelievable all season. He deserves all he gets and has been really good for me all during the Six Nations, helping me out even though he only made his debut a few weeks before me. It was kind of expected, really, that he would get into the international arena and he’s been unbelievable.
Obviously CJ is captain of Munster and on the pitch with Ireland he is very vocal, especially in the defensive line which is probably where you need it the most.
What I’ve found he’s especially good at is putting his arm around you and making sure you’re relaxed, telling you to calm down or whatever if it’s needed. He’s very personal, really.
Given that all Stander would have known from his days in Ireland up to his inclusion in the international stage is that the rivalry between Munster and Leinster is huge - for him to buy into the Irish set-up so quickly, get acclimatised almost immediately, and then display his leadership skills just shows how much of a hero it is.
See Also: CJ Stander's Monster Stats Could Be What's Preventing Him From Being Unstoppable
See Also: The South African Reaction To CJ Stander's Impressive Ireland Debut
Picture credit: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
