Stephen Ferris: CJ Stander picked perfect time to call it a day

Rival rugby fans Stephen Ferris and England supporter Lily Magenis pictured as part of Heineken Ireland’s ‘The Perfect Match’ campaign, which will air for the first time on TV this weekend. Picture: Naoise Culhane

Stephen Ferris has praised CJ Stander for choosing the right time to retire with Ireland’s back-row talent pool at its deepest.

Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with England at Aviva Stadium will likely be Stander’s 51st and last Ireland appearance having on Tuesday announced his decision to retire at the end of the season.