Rugby News

With the amount of departures from Munster last season they could do with a few faces and today they announced the signing of promising South African back row forward CJ Stander.

22-year old Stander is a former captain of the Springbok under-20 side and was a regular member of the Blue Bulls first team in the Super XV this season having made his debut from the bench earlier in the campaign.

Stander is highly rated in his homeland and his signing represents quite a coup for Munster, where Stander will be competing with the likes of Peter O’Mahony and James Coughlan for a place in the back row next season. Sander will join up with the Munster squad following the conclusion of the Currie Cup later this summer and will join James Downey and Casey Laulala as the newbies in Rob Penney’s squad for next season.

Commenting on his departure, Bulls coach, Frans Ludeke, said: "Quality players like CJ, who have also shown tremendous leadership abilities, don't come around very often and so it was not a surprise to hear about his overseas offer."

Sander himself was obviously reading from the book of Robbie Keane when speaking of his delight at signing for the province and didn’t neglect to give a big plug to the very website that was announcing his signature in the first place.

"I felt honoured and privileged when Munster approached me and indicated that I am viewed as a player with the potential to represent Munster,” Sander told the Munster official website.

"I spent countless hours on the Club's website to learn more about Munster's history, traditions and community involvement. It goes without saying that I am aware that Munster is a giant in World Rugby.

"I know though that I will join an institution that is much bigger than just being a rugby Club and look forward to be a contributing member of the team and to earn the respect of my future team mates and Munster supporters if selected."

Munster supporters will be hoping that Sander can make a big impact next season and if he does, he will be guaranteed rave reviews on the Munster website after that little tribute.