Ireland’s South African-born No 8, CJ Stander, has double reason to celebrate.
Not only has the George-born, 30-year-old has been named Munster’s Player of the Season, he has also been shortlisted as one of the Six Nations Player of the Tournament nominees.
NOT THE FIRST WIN FOR THE STAR NO 8
It’s the third occasion in the last six seasons that Stander has won the top Munster award.
Even though Ireland finished third in this year’s much-delayed Six Nations tournament, Stander’s performances have seen his rewarded with a nomination.
Ireland beat Scotland, Wales and Italy, but fell short against England and France in the Six Nations this year.
Stander was named man of the match in Ireland’s wins against Scotland and Wales and finished the tournament with more carries (77) and more turnover wins (six) than any other player.
THREE FRENCH AND TWO ENGLAND PLAYERS ALSO NOMINATED
Stander, who is married to Jean-Marie, the sister of star South African swimmer Ryk Neethling, is expected to play a major role in the British & Irish Lions’ 2021 tour of South Africa.
The other nominees for the Six Nations Player of the Tournament award are France’s Gregory Alldritt (flank), Antoine Dupont (scrumhalf) and Romain Ntamack (flyhalf), and England’s Maro Itoje (lock) and Ben Youngs (scrumhalf).
