RUGBY LEGEND CJ Stander has bid an emotional farewell to the sport following Ireland’s barnstorming 32-18 win over England in the Six Nations.
Andy Farrell’s team signed off their campaign with a resounding victory over England and a scoreline which, in truth, flattered their opponents.
Stander was one of the star performers on the day with the back-rower ending his international career on a high with victory over one of Ireland’s biggest rivals.
The South African amassed 51 caps for Ireland at Test level, having qualified to represent them at international level via the project player system.
Earlier this week, Stander stunned fans with the announcement he was retiring from the sport to spend time with young family back home in South Africa.
Turning out for his final game against England, the 31-year-old was able to put the emotions of the occasion to one side to deliver the kind of display that has made him so popular with fans.
Speaking to ITV Sport after the final whistle, Stander struggled to hold back the tears as he paid tribute to the staff and teammates that helped him become an Ireland rugby legend.
"It was a massive team performance, everyone put their hands up this week and we knew it was going to be difficult,’ he said.
“The staff everyone in the backroom and I’m very very grateful. Dreams do come true, I worked hard to be in this jersey.
“The boys made it easy to be in it, week in and week out to perform for the team and for the staff and the supporters of Ireland has been a pleasure for me and my family.
“From the bottom of my heart thank you for all the messages and the kind words, they’re great people and there’s a special team here.
“Things are going to happen for this team and it’s going to be a privilege to watch them.”
A real tearjerker from CJ Stander 😭#GuinnessSixNations #IREvENG pic.twitter.com/aWZ9syyzgT
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) March 20, 2021
Stander added: “I want to give everything for that jersey because I feel everything has been given to me that I needed to perform over the last few years,’ he added.
“I just wish my family could be here, especially my wife and my daughter, and the supporters — we spoke about it at half time, imagine that was the score when we were running in at half time, this place would have erupted.
“Those are the special days and I can’t wait for them to come back, to be in the seats and cheering the boys on.
“If you’re sitting at home tonight, the team really played for that jersey tonight. For everyone who couldn’t be here, thanks from the bottom of my heart as CJ Stander for all the support.
“Everything you’ve done for me, for me and my family – I’m looking forward to spending time with them and following this team and having a great few pints with the supporters.”
Stander first qualified to play for Ireland by residency on the day of the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final, having first moved there to play for Munster in 2012.
