Munster star CJ Stander hoping for green day with Ireland

Christiaan Johan Stander, better known as CJ, is counting down the days until he becomes eligible to play rugby for Ireland.

Three years have elapsed since the former South African U20 captain arrived as a project player to join Munster, and at the end of this month, he will have completed the required terms and conditions to make him available for the national side.

Given his performances for Munster, particularly last season, Stander could be considered in the same category as Ulster’s Jared Payne, who had become one of Joe Schmidt’s go-to men before injury ruled him out of the World Cup. However, he has no idea whether Schmidt is interested in his talents, his contact with the national boss confined to a few chats about rugby in general.