Munster Rugby - Semi Conscious, the Series Finale??? - 2020/21

[munster#1]

Anyway - Munster and Lucifora can do one if they want a Leinster backrow to replace him

I hear that Penny has a grandmother from west Cork.
He would slot in nicely into the Munster backrow.

[ronk]

He’ll be 31. Lots of rugby left in him of course but he plays hard in an attritional position and there’s form for players going around that time.

Gleeson went young, Nacewa the first time. He’s made enough money so why not get out while he has his health. Especially with all the concussion issues going around.

Playing through all the COVID restrictions with a young family isn’t fun either.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

Like everyone I’m pretty shocked by this!

His reasoning makes complete sense and as gutted as I am that he’s leaving I think it’s brilliant in a way. There’s far more to life than just plugging away for a pay cheque and putting a strain on your family or not being able to see parents etc. Plus there’s so much talk about concussion at the moment that if there’s another option to get out while the going is good then why not take it? There’s no reason why everyone should eek out every last possible second of their rugby career.

I’d echo what M#1 said about how he is with fans as well. I’ve never spoken to him but have seen him dealing with fans on several occasions and he doesn’t just pose for a photo he’s very happy to have long chats even with lads who might be hanging out of him after having a few pints. Himself and Heaslip are the two who spring to mind when I think of players who are the nicest off the pitch.

Thanks for the memories CJ

[Keith]

Anyway - Munster and Lucifora can do one if they want a Leinster backrow to replace him

Munster fans will have zero shame lining up their next leinster backrows to replace.

[munster#1]

Anyway - Munster and Lucifora can do one if they want a Leinster backrow to replace him

Munster fans will have zero shame lining up their next leinster backrows to replace.

Not sure if that is tongue in cheek, but for me, as a Munster fan, I would be disappointed if Munster do sign another backrow.

Munster are well stacked at the moment. They have very good options across the backrow, and IMO should back the options that they have.

[munster#1]

Like everyone I’m pretty shocked by this!

His reasoning makes complete sense and as gutted as I am that he’s leaving I think it’s brilliant in a way. There’s far more to life than just plugging away for a pay cheque and putting a strain on your family or not being able to see parents etc. Plus there’s so much talk about concussion at the moment that if there’s another option to get out while the going is good then why not take it? There’s no reason why everyone should eek out every last possible second of their rugby career.

I’d echo what M#1 said about how he is with fans as well. I’ve never spoken to him but have seen him dealing with fans on several occasions and he doesn’t just pose for a photo he’s very happy to have long chats even with lads who might be hanging out of him after having a few pints. Himself and Heaslip are the two who spring to mind when I think of players who are the nicest off the pitch.

Thanks for the memories CJ

You are very right in all that you say.
While the life of a pro rugby player may seem glamorous from the outside looking in, the big drawback is the considerable time away from family.
Whilst on tours or even in Irish camp in Dublin, CJ would have barely seen his family.

For CJ there is the added element that his parents and siblings are based in SA, which can not be easy.

[LeinsterLeader]

Well it's all already been said so I won't repeat!

As a Leinster supporter the best compliment I can give him is to say I'm pretty happy we won't be facing him again after June.

Go well young man!

[Keith]

Anyway - Munster and Lucifora can do one if they want a Leinster backrow to replace him

Munster fans will have zero shame lining up their next leinster backrows to replace.

Not sure if that is tongue in cheek, but for me, as a Munster fan, I would be disappointed if Munster do sign another backrow.

Munster are well stacked at the moment. They have very good options across the backrow, and IMO should back the options that they have.

Why would it be tongue in cheek? Just have a quick look on boards. Ie and there's already a list of names being thrown about... Anyway not the time for this I suppose, it's time to reflect on his great career.

[munster#1]

Munster fans will have zero shame lining up their next leinster backrows to replace.

Not sure if that is tongue in cheek, but for me, as a Munster fan, I would be disappointed if Munster do sign another backrow.

Munster are well stacked at the moment. They have very good options across the backrow, and IMO should back the options that they have.

Why would it be tongue in cheek? Just have a quick look on boards. Ie and there's already a list of names being thrown about... Anyway not the time for this I suppose, it's time to reflect on his great career.

I just wasn’t sure.

[Oldschool]

Well it's all already been said so I won't repeat!

As a Leinster supporter the best compliment I can give him is to say I'm pretty happy we won't be facing him again after June.

Go well young man!

Plus 1 CJ well deserves any plaudits he's been given.
That's CJ Stander not our CJ.

[RoboProp]

A cunning plan and paves the way for Zeebs to return as an 8.
He has the body shape for it

He'd need to drop a few kgs first

[Keith]

A cunning plan and paves the way for Zeebs to return as an 8.
He has the body shape for it

He'd need to drop a few kgs first

A few?

[lotmc]

Best of luck to CJ; great player and always seemed to give 100% in red and green. Genuinely nice bloke as well.

Any thoughts on why the announcement was made 4 days before a very big game? Given that he is retiring for family reasons, there should not have been any reason not to delay the announcement until after the England game. Timing seems a bit odd to me.

[mildlyinterested]

Best of luck to CJ; great player and always seemed to give 100% in red and green. Genuinely nice bloke as well.

Any thoughts on why the announcement was made 4 days before a very big game? Given that he is retiring for family reasons, there should not have been any reason not to delay the announcement until after the England game. Timing seems a bit odd to me.

His last game for Ireland. So maybe he wanted it known?

[Keith]

What's going on with Hodnett, is he injured?

[mildlyinterested]

What's going on with Hodnett, is he injured?

Yep did his Achilles which ended his season.

[Keith]

What's going on with Hodnett, is he injured?

Yep did his Achilles which ended his season.

Cheers, Hopefully he gets back soon great prospect.

[munster#1]

What's going on with Hodnett, is he injured?

Yep did his Achilles which ended his season.

Cheers, Hopefully he gets back soon great prospect.

He does seem to be a great prospect, and would likely have gotten double digit appearances this season had he remains fit.

Hopefully he comes back stronger than ever next season, because that 7 shirt is definitely up for grabs

[Morf]

Am pretty sure I'd heard a rumour a few months back suggest CJ was not renewing to return to family in SA.

So less surprised that others but will say he was an honest, gritty and hard-working player who had the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

Best of luck to him in Gauteng.

[munster#1]

Munster team to face Treviso named.
This team is a clear indication that Munster are fully invested in the future .

I love the look of that front row and second row, some real potential there.
The backrow will be a real nuisance for the Italians, with all three being very solid at the breakdown.

Hard to call this game, with so many changes, but I am cautiously optimistic that this team could add real flair.

MUNSTER: Jake Flannery; Andrew Conway, Alex McHenry, Rory Scannell, Liam Coombes; JJ Hanrahan, Paddy Patterson; Liam O’Connor, Diarmuid Barron, Keynan Knox; Cian Hurley, Thomas Ahern; Jack O’Donoghue (C), Chris Cloete, Jack O’Sullivan. Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Jeremy Loughman, Roman Salanoa, Jack Daly, Tommy O’Donnell, Nick McCarthy, Ben Healy, Matt Gallagher.