Reports that CJ Stander’s contract talks have stalled

Another day and another worrying Irish Times report detailing stalled contracts surrounding a Munster player. This time CJ Stander is the man at the centre of Gavin Comiskey’s report the the reporter claiming that negotiations with the Munster back rower to move from a provincial to a central contract have come to an impasse.

Stander who qualified to play for Ireland under the residency rule in 2016 has been a key part of Munster’s revival and is also a big fan favourite. With Zebo already set to depart and rumours abounding about Stander and O’Mahony, it certainly makes for worrying reading for Munster fans.

While one hopes that the emergence of both stories in the last few days amounts to nothing more than some sabre rattling by agents intent on getting the best deal from their clients, the IRFU cannot take the threat posed by big spending French and English clubs.

Donnacha Ryan and Simon Zebo have already taken offers from French clubs but the rumours surrounding O’Mahony and Stander are alarming.

Here is hoping we get some positive news regarding contract extension emanating from the province over the next few weeks and that fans and players can focus on rugby and a bumper Christmas period as opposed to what goes on in contract talks.

You can read the report in full here.