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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Robert Hynes

Inside CJ Stander's family life with wife Jean-Marie Neethling and daughter

CJ Stander has returned to Ireland in the past week to watch his native South Africa in action.

The former Ireland and Munster star has been working for Virgin Media as part of their coverage of the Springboks 19-16 defeat to Andy Farrell's men, as well as Munster's clash with a South Africa A team at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Here is what you need to know about Stander, who has been joined on the trip to Ireland by his wife:

Where was he born?

CJ Stander is from George in South Africa and was raised on his family farm.

George is the second largest city on the Western Cape.

Who is CJ Stander's wife?

Jean-Marie Neethling and CJ Stander (Twitter/@JMNeethling)

CJ's wife is Jean-Marie Neethling and they have been married since 2013, having met two years previously.

Her sister is South African Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Ryk Neethling.

Does he have kids?

CJ and Jean-Marie have one child, a young daughter Everli, who was born in August, 2018.

When did CJ make his debut for Irleand?

CJ Stander with his wife and daughter (Instagram/ CJ Stander)

CJ played his first game for Ireland in 2016 in the Six Nations against Wales.

He qualified for Ireland in 2015 under the residency rules, opting to don the green jersey of Ireland after playing underage rugby for South Africa.

What has Stander done since retiring?

He returned to the family farm in South Africa when his contract with Munster expired.

“All professional sportspeople are told 'you will know when the time is right to hang up your boots',” said Stander as he announced his retirement on Instagram.

“It’s a sentiment one cannot fully comprehend until that day arrives.

“For me, that time has come, and I hereby publicly announce my retirement from all forms of rugby.

“I will be available to represent Munster until 27 June 2021 when my contract expires, and for International duty, until the end of the mid-year Test window.”

Why did he retire?

Stander explained how he can come to make the decision to call it quits.

"During the lockdown, I did a stocktake of what matters most to me in life.

"My faith, family and this incredible game I have played since I was six years old easily topped the list.

"However, I came to the realisation that my commitment to rugby has started to take an unfair toll on my family, who both in Limerick and South Africa have made considerable sacrifices for more than 25 years to allow me to live my dream.

"I am not saddened by my decision. I've had a full and utterly enjoyable rugby career, and I can now look back on a journey that has offered me rewards, memories and surprises beyond anything I could have scripted for myself.

"I wouldn't change a thing. The 150 matches I played for Munster were some of the most precious and formative experiences of my life.

"My blood will remain Munster Red long after I have said my goodbyes to the people of Limerick."

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