CJ Stander stepped back on Irish soil with wife Jean-Marie over the weekend as the former Ireland international was in Dublin to see the Irish take down world champions South Africa.
It was a clash of two international sides close to the former flanker's heart; despite hailing from South Africa, Stander declared for Ireland back in 2015 after a move to Munster saw him qualify for the national side based on residency.
He went on to win 51 caps for Ireland before retiring in 2021; aged just 32, his retirement from the game shocked many in the rugby world but he reasoned at the time that he wanted to move back to South Africa and commit himself to raising his daughter alongside wife Jean-Marie.
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Stander was always held in high regard by Irish rugby fans and so his return to Dublin over the weekend will have pleased many.
He took up position in the commentary box for Virgin Media TV alongside Dave McIntyre and Alan Quinlan as the trio commentated on the massive Test clash between Ireland and South Africa.
Ireland edged the world champions on a final score of 19-16, a result that got the Autumn Series off to the best possible start.
And Stander took to Instagram to post pictures of his weekend in Dublin.
Posting a snap of himself and wife Jean-Marie at the top of Dublin's Grafton Street, he outlined that the weekend had stirred up old memories.
He said: "My travel partner all the way down memory lane @jmstander."
And his wife Jean-Marie also took to Instagram to mark the occasion as she posted a picture of herself and her husband outside the Aviva Stadium.
The caption read: "Bitter sweet & emotional being in a full Aviva Stadium again, but @cjstander not playing & Everli at home."
Jean-Marie also revealed that she was missing a particular dish from a popular Dublin restaurant since they departed for South Africa.
She said: There are many things in Ireland that I missed, I think Copper & Spice’s Makhani Chicken & naan is on top of that list.
"Since November 2012 we had Copper & Spice every single week, without fail.
"It’s so good to be back."
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