Jared Payne’s success whets CJ Stander’s appetite for international rugby game

The emergence of IRFU “Project Player” Jared Payne as midfield successor to Brian O’Driscoll has whetted CJ Stander’s appetite to play for Ireland.

Munster’s South African back rower Stander has had limited contact with head coach Joe Schmidt, but he hopes to get to know him better in a little less than 12 months, the time he becomes eligible to play for his adopted country.

“So far, I suppose I haven’t had much contact, but I’m sure when the time comes around, he might start speaking to me.