Confirmation CJ Stander wants to play for Ireland

Loose forward CJ Stander is looking to permanently turn his back on South Africa as he wants to take his form onto the International stage for Ireland. The 25-year-old was born in South Africa and, in fact, played the Springboks' Under-20 in 2009 and captained the outfit in 2010.  The South African Rugby Union only declared the Junior Springboks' as their second team in 2012 therefore Stander doesn't fall under the category of a player being capped by South Africa.  This allows Stander to qualify for Ireland on residency grounds in late October. Stander has been virtually unstoppable for the Irish province this season, racking up eight tries in 17 Pro12 appearances as well as consistentl y dominating at the breakdown. As he continues to impress onlookers with each display, Stander says he is now eyeing a international call from Joe Schmidt for the men in green. "I will have to decide [between Ireland and South Africa] but I think I have set my sights on Ireland and I think that is what I'm going to pursue," Stander explained. "I think there will probably be a few people on my back about that, even my Dad, but I think I am going to pursue the Irish team, so hopefully it works out." Stander's performances this term have helped Munster secure a Pro12 play-off spot and they will now try to wrap up a home semifinal with two regular season games remaining

 We are going to see a lot more of this and that is why posted the article shown in the link below. We will see what they do about it but economics will determine the outcome IMO.
Link to related topic

Hardly a surprise given fucking useless Meyer failed to approach him and invite him to join the Boks  

 Saffex, he was approached early on, but declined way back then already.

 That's news to me. He was part of the Bok planning up until he decided to move abroad. Something happened and he was dropped by the Bulls as well before his departure.  I'll Google a bit and come back to you. In the meantime,  can you try and find the article you mentioned?

 Moz, we can't be sure of that, because he left too soon and it is too difficult to measure him against the lads playing here. We have a lot of good loosies, but combinations are crucial and it would be stupid to go through all the trouble and expense to try a new player (from abroad.
And to cap him just to make sure he can't play for another country is stupid. first of all, you don't just need to be potentially good enough to play for the Boks, you must be the best, or at least be perceived as the best at the moment. Potential greats or Boks are tested in other teams. Boks are supposed to be the pinnacle of SA rugby...which he was not when he left.) Edit

And World Rugby announced, over the weekend, that it is going to be changing the qualification period for overseas players who wish to play for another country, back from 3 years to 5, as they gave had countries, like Fiji giving them hell because they are losing all of their players.
Good, this might halt the exodus of the mercenaries/ quislings a little..... 

Does that come into effect for a player like CJ who would qualify for Ireland later this year......lets hope it does and he still has 2 years to go....we get a real coach who then brings him on board  

 Don't know. They are saying the game is in crisis and they have to act. Not like some of us have been pointing that out for a while though, is it ?! Ah well.....
Anyway, you'll have to wait and see.....I'm sure it will all become apparent soon. 

Glad they are bringing that rule in.....that coupled with any of our Baby Boks not being able to play for another country works for me  

Wel, I am sure they did it just for you, Saffex !!!! We are here to serve    

They should change the rule to 10 years, that way the person would have to have been living or playing a meaningful amount of time to be considered eligible. 3-5 is too short.

 I agree, Lestat.Or, preferably, never !! 

That would definitely be my preference, but I think if someone had grown up in the UK from a young age then they have alot of immersion into the culture, not just an athlete trying to jump ship so I wouldn't mind that. So for 10 years, an emerging talent would have to have lived and developed for the majority of their lives in the UK. Would most definitely have been a product of native grass roots development.

 Oh that is a different issue entirely. But, they should still be the best option, and that hasn't always been the case. 

Barret did a pretty good job for you guys on the last EOYT! Left dozens of tread marks all over poor Bambie. The poor boy was straining so hard to hang on I'm convinced his arms are at least 10 inches longer as a result of the pressure!