CJ STANDER announced last week that he will be heading back home to South Africa at the end of the season with a variety of personal reasons, Covid being one of them, resulting in his decision to retire at the age of 31.
All of which provoked a range of reactions. Dan Leo tweeted: “Congrats on a great career CJ but in my mind, someone getting residency after three years, making a national team and then moving back home as soon as they retire makes a mockery of the game far more than Pacific Island heritage players wanting to turn out after a stand down period.” He later deleted the tweet.
Meanwhile Stander's former Ireland captain Rory Best wrote in his BBC online column that “On and off the pitch, CJ Stander has always put team over self”.
That last comment leaves me a tad confused. Stander's teams were the Blue Bulls and South Africa U20 who he represented in two Junior World Cups, captaining them during his last season. He didn't put Blue Bulls first which I rather suspect is what irked Leo.
For whatever reason Stander moved to Ireland. Perhaps he feared he would not make the mighty Boks back row – there had been suggestions he was too small – or perhaps the large payday that awaited at Thomond Park was simply irresistible, especially given the exchange rate of the rand.
While in Ireland I totally accept he was a loyal and very considerable performer for Munster but he was nonetheless getting paid handsomely during the three years before he became eligible for Ireland. That's why he was there, earning a living. He then, in addition, got extremely well rewarded representing Ireland and, indeed, the Lions.
During that time talented Munster and Ireland flankers were denied their shot at high honours – and bigger salaries – by Stander's presence.
Stander is a very decent bloke, popular with fans, but he was nonetheless a ‘project player' and I have always abhorred that concept and argued against it – from any nation.
Most of the big powerhouse nations have been guilty at some stage.
Project players are a short-term fix available mainly to the wealthy. They disfigure Test rugby and will continue to do so.
