CJ Stander to move to Munster.

by **Biltong** Wed 20 Jun 2012, 7:18 pm

Courtesy of Sport 24

Pretoria - The Blue Bulls Company announced on Wednesday that Bulls loose forward CJ Stander has decided against taking the option to extend his contract with the union.

Stander will instead move to Munster, after agreeing terms with the Irish club.

Stander will remain part of the Bulls' Super Rugby squad and will be available to play for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup competition.

He will move to Ireland when his contract with the union runs out on October 31.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Blue Bulls Company, Barend van Graan, said that they were unable to match the current offer on the table from the Irish club.

“We identified CJ at schoolboy level already and he was part of our future planning at the Bulls. However we couldn’t match the Munster offer - such is the reality of professional sport.”

Bulls coach, Frans Ludeke, wished Stander well in his decision.

“Quality players like CJ, who have also shown tremendous leadership abilities, don’t come around very often and so it was not a surprise to hear about his overseas offer. We would have loved to have had him with us well into the future, but it makes financial sense for CJ to accept the Munster offer. I have no doubt that CJ will continue to give everything he has throughout the remainder of our Super Rugby campaign as well as our Currie Cup season.”

Stander has captained the Vodacom Blue Bulls at U19 and U21 level as well as South Africa at U20 level.

He made his Super Rugby debut in 2012 and has played in all 13 Super Rugby matches for the Bulls this year.

by Rory_Gallagher Wed 20 Jun 2012, 7:19 pm

Huge signing for Munster. There you go Stag, your back row has just been seriously bulked up.

by Rory_Gallagher Wed 20 Jun 2012, 7:20 pm

Biltong - which is his preferred position? Openside, blindside or 8?

by **Biltong** Wed 20 Jun 2012, 7:23 pm

Openside mate.

by pioden gorllewin Wed 20 Jun 2012, 7:28 pm

Good signing. Has he been signed as a project player instead of peter borlase?

by Rory_Gallagher Wed 20 Jun 2012, 7:32 pm

I thought so. He is a fairly big openside though at 17 stone. Same size as O'Brien.

6) O'Mahony
7) Stander
8) Coughlan

Stag/Thomond and co. will be pleased.

How long is his contract? I know you hate this entire topic, but if he is another project player then the IRFU will be very interested in an openside option qualifying for Ireland in the future.

by LeinsterFan4life Wed 20 Jun 2012, 7:48 pm

I doubt he will want to play for ireland it sounds like he's only going for the money...great signing though

by **profitius** Wed 20 Jun 2012, 10:25 pm

He sounds like a good signing. Another player with leadership in the team is always welcome.

But I see a problem. If he is an openside, that means Munster have Ronan, Dougal, TOD and himself and rumours that they're signing Barry O'Mahony too. Crazy amount of opensides there.

by Sin é Wed 20 Jun 2012, 10:40 pm

He played more games at blindside than openside in Super Rugby this season and he seems to have played mainly No. 8 in the Currie Cup. Looks like he can play right across the backrow.

Fantastic signing (and I'd say he will return to SA in two years time when his contract is up).

by **profitius** Wed 20 Jun 2012, 10:48 pm

Sin é wrote:He played more games at blindside than openside in Super Rugby this season and he seems to have played mainly No. 8 in the Currie Cup. Looks like he can play right across the backrow.

Fantastic signing (and I'd say he will return to SA in two years time when his contract is up).

He'll return a better player. POM will teach him a thing or two! Wink

by **rodders** Wed 20 Jun 2012, 11:21 pm

Seems to be a bit of a Saffer colony down in Munster these days...... Whistle

....

by MBTGOG Thu 21 Jun 2012, 1:05 am

I wouldn't be overly surprised if he ended up at 8 for us.

The coaching team have obviously picked out the back row as being an area that needs strengthening especially given the importance of it nowadays and the drop of in quality over the last few years.

by red_stag Thu 21 Jun 2012, 8:05 am

Chuffed as rory said ive been banging on about strengthening our backrow. Very happy with the squad.

by Mickado Thu 21 Jun 2012, 9:10 am

Munster get the cheque book out again wha. Fair play, nice little SA "enclave" building up down there Wink

by red_stag Thu 21 Jun 2012, 9:13 am

Mickado wrote:Munster get the cheque book out again wha. Fair play, nice little SA "enclave" building up down there

Jeez Mick - whats wrong with that. They are all Munster players now. No need to be racist about it Whistle

by Mickado Thu 21 Jun 2012, 9:15 am

Ah I’m more xenophobic than racist. Wink

by **Biltong** Thu 21 Jun 2012, 9:22 am

Mickado wrote:Ah I’m more xenophobic than racist.

Then rather send them all back home. Whistle

by red_stag Thu 21 Jun 2012, 9:22 am

You'd be much better off talking to Ulster and the foreign legion anyway.

PS - predicting Ulster and Munster to either match or do better than Leinster this year in Europe!!

by Mickado Thu 21 Jun 2012, 9:24 am

I’ll have a pint on that with you.

by red_stag Thu 21 Jun 2012, 9:36 am

Done Mick!

I just think:

- Clermont may finally best Leinster
- I havent been impressed with who they signed and they lost Brad Thorn
- The other two have recruited extremely well
- I think Ulster and Munster got handy enough pools in Europe
- While Leinster have better depth the isn't much when it comes to the 1st XV

by Mickado Thu 21 Jun 2012, 10:02 am

Clermont will almost certainly beat us in SMM. But I think we can take them at home and I think we can beat the other two teams. We haven’t singed Thorns replacement yet though, Denton is actually Brownes replacement. Apparently we’re in talks with a number of players to fill that role.

I agree with your other two points though.

by **rodders** Thu 21 Jun 2012, 10:24 am

red_stag wrote:You'd be much better off talking to Ulster and the foreign legion anyway.

I'm surprised you still feel Munster have moral high ground over us?.... Whistle

Fair play though, looks like great signing...I have a feeling Munster could do very well next season, certainly they are moving in the right direction.

by red_stag Thu 21 Jun 2012, 10:24 am

Ah I assumed that Leinster were done recruiting. An engine room of Denton, Cullen, Flanagan, Toner with McLaughlin backing up wouldn't fill me with confidence. In fact I didn't know Browne left I thought he had another year on contract.

by **rodders** Thu 21 Jun 2012, 10:36 am

Apparantly Leinster have permission to sign a NIQ lock and have been in discussions with a few players... anyone heard any names?

No chance of getting Thorn back?

by Sin é Thu 21 Jun 2012, 10:41 am

rodders wrote:
red_stag wrote:You'd be much better off talking to Ulster and the foreign legion anyway.

I'm surprised you still feel Munster have moral high ground over us?....

Fair play though, looks like great signing...I have a feeling Munster could do very well next season, certainly they are moving in the right direction.

Rods you had Diack, Muller, Pienaar, Wannenberg & Terblance (5) from SA last year. Munster will still only have 3 South African born players! Similar to Leinster saffer contingent last year - Straus, VdeMerve and the guy that was sent packing.

by red_stag Thu 21 Jun 2012, 10:41 am

They need a lock. If they get a top player a la Hines or Thorn it will really add to team.

by **rodders** Thu 21 Jun 2012, 10:53 am

Sin, stag good luck with the new season lads guinness

. Like I say good signing and the foreign legion comment was in jest.

As usual the respect goes one way, so we'll just have to earn our respect out there on the field again next season.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:00 am

PS - predicting Ulster and Munster to either match or do better than Leinster this year in Europe!!

A bold statement Staggy as Leinster are looking pretty good still. The lack of an engine room enforcer and Cullen aging will be a worry for them but the rest of the team is still looking pretty handy with BOD able to play only when needed thanks to the Rabo rotation. Munster may have a much harder time of it as their backs will take time to settle, the pack is still relient on club legend POC being fit and Ronan 'drop goal' O'Gara really isn't that good anymore. Ulster are similarly suffering at 10 and if their limp displays in the HEC Semi Final and HEC Final are any indication anyone with a decent enough pack to gain equilibrium up front (not an easy task at all) will beat them as Jackson struggled to handle the pressure last time out.

by Mickado Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:00 am

rodders wrote:Apparantly Leinster have permission to sign a NIQ lock and have been in discussions with a few players... anyone heard any names?

No chance of getting Thorn back?

Nobody has any clue who it’s going to be so I presume it won’t be a household name.

There’s a possibility we could sign Thorn again on a short term deal, but that’s a break in case of emergency option. If we could get him for a full year then fair enough but I’d be disappointed if we needed him for 3 months again.

by LordDowlais Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:02 am

Although he is a great signing, and I know I am going to be tarred and feathered by all unsundry on here from the emerald isle, but shouldn't you be looking at producing Irish forwards before looking abroad ? Every one and their dog knows you have front row forward issues that need sorting and now you have got another one who cannot play for Ireland. Although, at least the provinces will be fine.

by Thomond Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:06 am

Never heard of the guy but I don't watch much S15. Seems to be a very solid signing.

Dowlais, Munster have lost 3 irish international backrows in the last 12 months. We have talent there but we needed someone to bolster the back row.

by red_stag Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:08 am

Dowlais - I agree with you. However we cannot produce all Irish players in every position. It isn't realisitc. We have so much rest imposed on our internationals too by the IRFU.

Munster lost Denis Leamy and David Wallace to injury induced retirements this season. We hadn't banked on that. Niall Ronan suffered a very long injury and hasn't played since January. We will see Peter O'Mahony miss out on a lot of the Pro 12 because of IRFU rest periods. Alan Quinlan retired this time 12 months ago. Its too many players being lost in a short period of time and though we are producing players for example young Peter O'Mahony who has done really well you need to have them in a stable team to get the best out of them.

A backrow signing was needed.

by LordDowlais Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:09 am

Thomond wrote:Never heard of the guy but I don't watch much S15. Seems to be a very solid signing.

Dowlais, Munster have lost 3 irish international backrows in the last 12 months. We have talent there but we needed someone to bolster the back row.

I though he was a loosehead who could play on the tight from what I have seen of him, although it is very little. Perhaps Biltong could tell us more about him. thumbsup

by red_stag Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:10 am

LordDowlais wrote:
Thomond wrote:Never heard of the guy but I don't watch much S15. Seems to be a very solid signing.

Dowlais, Munster have lost 3 irish international backrows in the last 12 months. We have talent there but we needed someone to bolster the back row.

I though he was a loosehead who could play on the tight from what I have seen of him, although it is very little. Perhaps Biltong could tell us more about him.

Dowlais he is a backrow not a prop.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CJ_Stander

by LordDowlais Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:17 am

O.k I must be thinking of somebody else then. chin

Anyway my origonal point still stands, Leinster seem to have the Monopoly on IQ backrowers these days, O'Brien, Heaslip, Ruddock, perhaps they could lend you one so that they all get regular game time.

by Thomond Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:22 am

Ruddock wouldn't come down south or go up to Ulster. Munster have O'Donnell, Butler and Dave O'Callaghan there so we are developing some talent. Although O'Callaghan could end up in the second row.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:27 am

Dowlais perhaps you were thinking of this chap.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CJ_van_der_Linde

by **profitius** Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:31 am

I'm not totally happy with the signing. You'll have Dave O'Callaghan, Cathal O'Flaherty, Paddy Butler and a few new 7's coming through. I can see why they did sign Stander though. All those players listed are inexperienced but it shows you the problems in Irish rugby. The signing of Stander is potentially blocking one of the home grown lads progress.

by LordDowlais Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:32 am

I was thinking about this to myself the other day, as the Welsh regions grind my gears with substandard NWQ players as well, why could all our regions, Welsh, Irish, Scottish and Italian relax the policy on utilising players from within our own league, so at least this way we could all help each other out, so rather say Munster sign a South African they signed a back row player that is not getting a game time at the Ospreys, this way we all keep our home grown players in rugby and all the unions are happy, I know there is a lot of ironing out to do with this idea but the thought is there and surely this is for the benefit of the league as well as we all want to see our home grown players take the field week in week out. And I do not mean substandard players either as the Scarlets have both Matthew Rees and Ken Owens and they cannot both play at the same time. Anyway it is just a thought perhaps somebody on here can see what I am trying to get at.

by **Biltong** Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:34 am

Thomond wrote:Never heard of the guy but I don't watch much S15. Seems to be a very solid signing.

Dowlais, Munster have lost 3 irish international backrows in the last 12 months. We have talent there but we needed someone to bolster the back row.

He has been touted as a future Bok already being in the development squad Heyneke Meyer has selected, hence the shock in SA for him leaving, he would most ikely have been a Springbok by next year, hence the confusion at his departure and why people at home is thinking he is going to play for Ireland in three years.

Article I found this morning.

South African rugby was rocked on Wednesday by the news that one of its brightest prospects – Bulls flanker CJ Stander – had turned down an offer to stay in South Africa and chose to take up a contract with Irish superclub Munster.

While local players moving overseas is nothing new, Stander’s decision came out of the blue for many and could well see him turn out for Ireland in three years' time.

The loose forward was identified by Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer as part of a group of players who have been training along with the Bok squad – in essence to gain experience and players who Meyer believes will become Boks within the next year or so. That group also includes the likes of Stormers Frans Malherbe and Siya Kolisi.

Stander has shown that despite his young age – he still is only 21 – he is one of the brightest prospects for the future, having captained SA Schools for two years in a row and also the SA under-20 side. This season he has commanded a regular place in the Bulls' loose-trio and has been one of their standout performers in the Vodacom Super Rugby competition.

However, it is understood that the offer from Munster was financially appealing, so much so that Stander decided his future was in Ireland for the next few years.

Munster have looked to recruit from overseas to fill player voids and have also received financial backing from the Irish Rugby Union for their venture, hinting that whoever is recruited will be lured into the Emerald Green in the next few years.

This may be a premature statement, but there are also warning signs if young talented players like Stander choose to go overseas rather than vie for a Springbok starting spot.

DIFFICULT TO COMPREHEND

Still, the move is a difficult one to comprehend giving Stander’s rising star in the game, and the Bulls insinuated that it was more about the offer he received, something that was denied by his agent.

by LordDowlais Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:34 am

formerly known as Sam wrote:Dowlais perhaps you were thinking of this chap.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CJ_van_der_Linde

Ahhhh, but I know who he is, I do not know perhaps I was just having a brain fart. laughing

by **rodders** Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:38 am

Biltong I bet you a pint of whatever you drink over there that this kid won't be playing for Ireland in 3 years, if he's good enough he'll be back with you Springbok

.

I understand your frustration but maybe 3 years at Munster will make him a better player for the boks guinness

by **Biltong** Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:39 am

I have given up worrying about this Rodders, it is what it is, I'll enjoy rugby for as long as it lasts, there after I suppose I just won't care anymore.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:44 am

Is it right that you guys have signed a "project player" yet from peoples perspectives he seems to have no intention of playing for Ireland what so ever? Surely a project player gets told "you are a project player" and if he is not open to the idea do they just rattle out "ok, but if anyone asks say...."

Not sure I like that to be honest, kind of a loop hole. Like I would hope Payne will take it seriously and Strauss looks like he already has as he has already been seen in Irish trainings.

That aside, you guys needed a backrow for the reasons Stag wrote above and hopefully this guy can do a job for you and can pass on some experience to some of the younger guys in particular.

Stag- That was one bold statement above, I'll see that bet too.

FYI I think your wording of Munster AND Ulster doing better this year will lose you the bet. I think one of them may but not both.

by **Biltong** Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:47 am

Pete he is only 21, how much experience can he pass on to the others?

by **rodders** Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:52 am

biltongbek wrote:I have given up worrying about this Rodders, it is what it is, I'll enjoy rugby for as long as it lasts, there after I suppose I just won't care anymore.

Biltong mate, I think its this guys choice to go overseas, just like Jarod Payne but it isn't right to me that he now has a contract that means he can't play for the boks for 3 years.

In Payne's case it is neither here nor there because NZ don't select overseas players anyway and the likes of Strauss and Diack weren't going to make the grade anyway.

But in this case it's just not right, if he was in the frame for SA. You have to point the finger at the player for putting cash above playing for his country but I'm disappointed that the IRFU are facilitating this sort of thing.

by Kingshu Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:54 am

LordDowlais wrote:I was thinking about this to myself the other day, as the Welsh regions grind my gears with substandard NWQ players as well, why could all our regions, Welsh, Irish, Scottish and Italian relax the policy on utilising players from within our own league, so at least this way we could all help each other out, so rather say Munster sign a South African they signed a back row player that is not getting a game time at the Ospreys, this way we all keep our home grown players in rugby and all the unions are happy, I know there is a lot of ironing out to do with this idea but the thought is there and surely this is for the benefit of the league as well as we all want to see our home grown players take the field week in week out. And I do not mean substandard players either as the Scarlets have both Matthew Rees and Ken Owens and they cannot both play at the same time. Anyway it is just a thought perhaps somebody on here can see what I am trying to get at.

I see what your getting at , but in Ireland there are very few sub standard NIQ players, and this guy seams to be a better prosect that any back rower that doesn't play regulary for their region.

If we are going to have a NIQ player, I would prefer it to be a good quality one, not someone who can't get into his regions starting XV, also I would prefer them to be southern Hemp as when the Internationals are away, (6 nations etc) they these guys are going to be the leaders of the team, and the top players durning these periods.

If a Welsh player did come, and was good enough to get called up to Wales, not only would we be missing our internationals, but one of the NIQ players as well, this would leave a very inexperienced team.

Maybe in time it will be instead of 5 NIQ players, 4 NIQ + 1 (pro 12 nation NIQ player) but I don't see the point in that.

For reasons above I never understood why regions signed NWQ from other 6 nations countries (Bowe, Lamont, Parks etc etc). Think they have caught on now though.

by **profitius** Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:57 am

LordDowlais wrote:I was thinking about this to myself the other day, as the Welsh regions grind my gears with substandard NWQ players as well, why could all our regions, Welsh, Irish, Scottish and Italian relax the policy on utilising players from within our own league, so at least this way we could all help each other out, so rather say Munster sign a South African they signed a back row player that is not getting a game time at the Ospreys, this way we all keep our home grown players in rugby and all the unions are happy, I know there is a lot of ironing out to do with this idea but the thought is there and surely this is for the benefit of the league as well as we all want to see our home grown players take the field week in week out. And I do not mean substandard players either as the Scarlets have both Matthew Rees and Ken Owens and they cannot both play at the same time. Anyway it is just a thought perhaps somebody on here can see what I am trying to get at.

Good idea but it won't ever happen. It doesn't even happen between Irish teams. If one Irish team would have an abundance of players in a certain position and the next short in that position, they'll always go abroad to sign somebody. Its crazy but theres too much politics involved.

by Mickado Thu 21 Jun 2012, 11:59 am

2 year contract. Not a project player as far as i can see...

by red_stag Thu 21 Jun 2012, 12:01 pm

Lads he is signed on a 2 year deal and you need to be 3 years to be a residency project player. Have no worries at all.

Pete its a bold one alright. I think its a possibility though. Though Im less certain now that I heard about the second rows. Still will commit to my guns though.

I dont think he is there to pass on experience to anyone. I think he is just needed as O'Mahony (also just 22 years old) is our only other really good backrow in my opinion. You need standards that the fringe players have to reach and he will be there to be in the starting team. With that in mind:

01 Wian du Preez
02 Mike Sherry
03 BJ Botha

04 Donnacha Ryan
05 Paul O'Connell

06 Peter O'Mahony
07 CJ Stander
08 James Coughlan

09 Conor Murray
10 Ronan O'Gara

12 James Downey
13 Casey Laulala

11 Simon Zebo
14 Doug Howlett
15 Keith Earls

16 Damien Varley
17 Dave Kilcoyne
18 Stephen Archer
19 Donnacha O'Callaghan
20 Tommy O'Donnell
21 Peter Stringer
22 JJ Hanrahan
23 Denis Hurley

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