Paul O’Connell saved my career for sure, says CJ Stander

CJ Stander has more reason than most to appreciate his time playing alongside Paul O’Connell, the Ireland back rower credits the now retired legend with saving his career.

Stander, 25, will win his second Test cap for Ireland today when his adopted country face France in Paris in the RBS 6 Nations. His qualification to represent Ireland came through last November after three years of residency but just 12 months in to his new life with Munster, he was considering returning to his native South Africa, questioning whether he would ever make the grade.

O’Connell made a brilliant first impression on the former Springbok Under-20 captain, who left the Blue Bulls aged 22 for Ireland in 2012 but did not find his feet in the Munster back row until well into his second season.