An emotional CJ Stander was treated to the perfect Ireland farewell as he helped his side defeat England 32-18 in their final game of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations.
The talismanic back-rower had announced earlier in the week that this would be his final season in a green jersey and he bowed out in style.
First-half tries from Jack Conan and Keith Earls along with 22 points from Johnny Sexton’s boot sealed a dominant win for the Men in Green, with Stander making 35 metres from his eight carries and putting in 10 tackles during another excellent display.
And the 30-year-old gave a touching post-match interview to ITV Sport in which he declared he ‘gave everything to the Ireland shirt’.
“The staff, the backroom team… I’m very, very grateful, dreams do come true,” said Stander after earning his 51st Ireland cap.
“I worked hard for that jersey, and to be in that jersey… the boys made it easy to be in.
“It’s been a pleasure for me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all the messages and kind words. I haven’t got through all of them but it means a lot.”
Impressive Ireland finish in style with comfortable win over England
The Munster man will return to his native South Africa with his wife Jean-Marie and daughter Everli when he leaves Limerick at the end of his contact.
He received a fitting send-off from his international teammates at the Aviva Stadium, with full-back Hugo Keenan revealing the squad sang Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ in the home changing room after the game.
And Stander credited the support of the ‘great people’ he has taken to the field with in a green shirt since making his debut in 2016.
Highlights: Ireland v England
“We have a special team here and things are going to happen (for Ireland) and it’s going to be a privilege to watch them,” he added.
“I wanted to give everything for that jersey. I feel with everything that was given to me, I needed to perform in the last few years.
“I just wish my family could be here, especially my wife and daughter, and the supporters – the place would have erupted on one of the special days. I can’t wait for them to come back.
“The team really played for that jersey for everyone who couldn’t be here.
“Thanks from the bottom of my heart. I’m looking forward to spending time with my family – and at some stage having a few pints with the supporters.”
