‘The Bulls thought CJ Stander was a cheap catch, a farm boy’

In an interview first published in April 2018, CJ Stander’s dad cracked open the special brew and spoke proudly to John Fallon at home in George about the rugby journey his son has taken. Today, Stander sensationally announced that he is retiring from rugby this year

CJ Stander with his parents Jannie and Amanda at home in South Africa in 2018. Pictures: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

It doesn’t take long to work out how CJ Stander is so grounded when you spend time in the company of his family outside George in the Western Cape.

Dad Jannie, mum Amanda and 24-year old brother Janneman treat you as if you have just made their day by coming to the family farm, a 1,100-acre enterprise that produces tens of thousands of broccolis and cauliflowers in addition to milking 200 Friesian and Jersey cows.