CJ Stander: I’ll play harder and make Anthony Foley proud

As has been evident in the outpouring of sorrow since his death, Anthony Foley made a big impact on people’s lives within and beyond Munster and Saturday’s tribute to him at Thomond Park had a similar impact for CJ Stander and Glasgow coach Gregor Townsend.

Stander, whose career in red took off under head coach Foley following a difficult move from his native South Africa, and Townsend, the Scottish playmaker who faced the Munster Ireland No.8 at every level since his schooldays. Both attended the funeral in Killaloe last Friday and the following day’s Champions Cup pool game pitted them on opposite sides of a contest that did their friend proud.

“It was a big week, an emotional week,” Stander said after playing in the number 24 jersey, the “8” having been stood down on Saturday as a mark of respect.