CJ Stander’s heartfelt response to his critics was worth the wait

It's remarkable that some people consider it wrong for Cj Stander to represent Ireland.

The South African-born forward is not the first player to fulfil World Rugby's three-year residency rule and line out for Ireland. However, he is undoubtedly the best. Despite consistently proving his worth in the green jersey time and time again, his name still gets brought up when rugby's current residency laws are debated. There's no denying his commitment to the Irish team, and what he adds to the team cannot be ignored. His teammates, the coaches and the fans are all behind them, but there have been a few high profile instances of Stander's inclusion in the squad being criticised. https://www.instagram.com/p/BR1eE-OAI1E/?taken-by=cjstander&hl=en

Of course, the man himself is aware of the debate. It would be impossible for him not to know about it, especially when impassioned supporters in the rugby capital of Munster let him know all about it, as he told Independent.ie.