Ireland loose forward CJ Stander has announced his shock retirement from all forms of the game at the end of the current season.
The 30-year-old Munster star, who recently celebrated his 50th appearance for Ireland, will call time on a stellar career at the end of the mid-year test window while his contract with Munster ends on 27 June 2021.
The SA-born former Springbok U20 No 8 cited family reasons as the major factor resulting in his decision with a desire to return to South Africa in order to allow for his daughter to grow up closer to his family.
Alongside 50 caps for Ireland, Stander has featured over 150 times for Munster and also won Super Rugby caps with the Vodacom Bulls in 1012.
He also toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2017 winning a solitary appearance but is a strong candidate to feature in the Springbok tour of 2021 wherever it may be.
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