Ireland call for CJ Stander — at last

CJ Stander can finally start practising the words to Amhrán na bhFiann.

After completing three years of residency following his move to Munster from his native South Africa, and weeks of anticipation since his qualification to play for Ireland, the back-row forward was yesterday named in Joe Schmidt’s squad for next month’s RBS 6 Nations.

The 25-year-old is the oldest of four uncapped players to feature in the 35-man playing group unveiled for the first two games of Ireland’s bid for a championship three-peat, starting against Wales in Dublin on February 7.