RUGBY:MUNSTER HAVE confirmed the signing of former South African Schools captain and Springboks Under-20 flanker CJ Stander. The 22-year-old is about to finish his first season in Super 15 rugby and it's been an outstanding one for the Bulls forward, who has scored four tries in 13 matches.

Stander, who has signed a two-year contract with the Irish province, will link up with Munster following his Currie Cup duties on the proviso he obtains a work permit and passes a medical.

Barend van Graan, chief executive of the Bulls, admitted: “We identified CJ at schoolboy level already and he was part of our future planning at the Bulls. However, we couldn’t match the Munster offer – such is the reality of professional sport.”

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke offered a brief insight into the calibre of player that is heading Munster’s way.

“Quality players like CJ, who have also shown tremendous leadership abilities, don’t come around very often and so it was not a surprise to hear about his overseas offer.

JOHN O’SULLIVAN