MUNSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that CJ Stander has signed a new two-year contract with the province.
The new deal ensures the powerful back row will stay with Munster until at least June 2018.
Stander joined the province in October 2012 and has gone on to make 69 appearances, as well as taking over the captaincy in Peter O’Mahony’s injury-enforced absence this season.
A native of South Africa, the 25-year-old became eligible to represent Ireland in Test rugby in October.
“I am delighted to be committing my future to Munster Rugby,” said Stander in a Munster statement. “This is very much home for me and it is a huge honour to represent the red jersey every week. I look forward to continuing my journey with the team and supporters.”
Munster head coach Anthony Foley also welcomed the new contract.
Getting this news at this stage of the seasons is a great boost for the squad. In securing the services of CJ for a further two years we are holding on to a key player within our group, one that gives everything to the jersey each week.
“At such a young age he has shown his leadership qualities on and off the field and we know there is still more to come so we look forward to working with CJ in to the future.”
Munster will now hope to finalise new contracts for the likes of Conor Murray, Simon Zebo and Keith Earls in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Ulster have announced that hooker Rob Herring, who has one cap for Ireland, has also signed a new two-year deal to keep him with the northern province until the summer of 2018.
“I’m very happy to be staying,” said Herring. “The last three years have gone really quickly for me and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. It’s particularly enjoyable playing at Kingspan Stadium in front of our home crowd – you can’t ask for a better stadium to play at.”
