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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - When his very successful international rugby career comes to an end, CJ Stander will return to his heartland in the Garden Route.

Stander, who has played many tests for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, told George Herald that he plans to farm on the family farms near George.

He also wants to get involved in coaching and helping local young players in the rural areas and George.

He is staying on the farm with his wife and young daughter during lockdown, where he helps out while keeping his fitness levels up.

But, there is still a lot of rugby in this player who has achieved so much, including representing Ireland at last year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.

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He says he would like to play for the British and Irish Lions when they tour South Africa next year for tests against the Springboks

The 30-year-old says playing at the highest level gets tougher every year. Depending on what his body allows, he sees himself playing for the next three to four years. He would like to play 50 tests for Ireland and desperately wants his daughter to see him play a game.

Beating the All Blacks in both America and Ireland and captaining his club, Munster, are career highlights.

He says the past few weeks have made him realise how much he loves farming and at the same time he wants to plough back into rugby. "I would love to see where this road takes me one day. Perhaps in coaching."

Stander says the Springboks deserved to win the World Cup last year. "They peaked at the right moment and used the right players and strategies."

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