Ireland international CJ Stander extends stay at Munster

Ireland international CJ Stander has extended his stay with Pro 14 club Munster after signing a new three-year deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

The news follows after his international team-mates Peter O'Mahony and Tadhg Furlong also signed similar contracts with the IRFU recently.

The 27-year-old switched from Super Rugby side Bulls to Munster in 2012 and qualified to play for Ireland on residency grounds on the day after the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final. He has made 105 appearances for the Thomond Park outfit in which he has amassed 32 tries.

"My intention was always to stay with Munster and Ireland and my focus will be doing my best for them," he said.

"Following a lot of speculation and unfounded articles in the media, I am delighted to announce that I have signed a new three-year contract with the IRFU through to 2021.

"The coaching setup, ethos and work ethic within both Munster and Ireland camps is tremendous and I'm very excited at the prospect of playing my part in achieving great things through hard work and determination with both squads.

"My wife and I took a leap of faith and have made a lot of sacrifices to be here but it has all been worthwhile, especially given how much of a privilege it is to wear the Munster and Ireland jerseys when given that responsibility.

"Ireland is a special country in which to live and play rugby and I'm fully aware of that. The Munster and Ireland fans have been fantastic to us since we arrived."