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Munster confirm that a one-cap Springboks player will replace the retiring CJ Stander
By Sam Smith
Beaten Guinness PRO14 finalists Munster have filled the vacancy the retiring CJ Stander will leave next season, signing one-cap Springboks forward Jason Jenkins on a one-year deal from Toyota Verblitz in the Japanese Top League. Stander, the soon-to-be 31-year-old Ireland back row, announced in the run-up to the recent Guinness Six Nations finale versus England that he would quit playing at the end of this season.
That decision was apparently made around the start of the Six Nations championship and it afforded Munster the opportunity to do their homework and decide who they should turn to in an attempt to replace Stander, the South African who has been with the Irish province since 2012.
A Tuesday lunchtime statement from Munster said: "Following confirmation of CJ Stander’s upcoming retirement, Jason Jenkins will join the province ahead of the 2021/22 season on a one-year deal. "The South African, who can play in the back or second row, is currently playing with Toyota Verblitz in the Japanese Top League.
"Before that he represented his home club the Bulls over four years, lining out with current Munster player RG Snyman, and is widely recognised for his strong ball-carrying abilities. A former South African A and U20s player, the 25-year-old made his Springboks debut in 2018 against Wales."
Munster boss Johann van Graan said: "We have had to manage CJ’s recent news and look at what is needed across our back row next season with Billy (Holland), who provides cover there, also retiring at the end of June.
"I have seen Jason’s progression through the South African ranks and while he was highly sought after, I am delighted he will be joining us this summer as I know he will make a great addition to the squad. Everyone is aware of the level of players we’re losing from the pack and Jason brings the required level of professionalism, physicality, and athleticism that we can draw on as he competes for his place next season."
Munster, who host Toulouse this Saturday in the Heineken Champions Cup round of 16 in Limerick, also announced contract extensions for senior players Fineen Wycherley and Diarmuid Barron and senior contracts for the academy quartet Jack Daly, Josh Wycherley, Thomas Ahern and Jack Crowley.
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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