CJ Stander the standout player for Munster

CJ Stander acknowledged the encouragement and drive of his team-mates after being named Munster’s Player of the Year at the province’s 2015 Munster Rugby Awards in Cork yesterday.

The dynamic and influential back-rower became the first overseas player to win the prestigious award, in his third season since leaving his native South Africa, where Stander had captained the Springboks’ Under-20 side.

The 25-year-old edged out fellow forwards Billy Holland and last year’s winner Tommy O’Donnell for the award, the trio having been nominated by their fellow players.