CJ Stander went from farm life in South Africa to the Bulls, Munster, Ireland and one of the toughest retirement decisions in rugby.

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In this conversation with Coach G, he opens up on work ethic, leadership, identity, family, and what it takes to build a second life after professional sport.

• The farm mindset that shaped him

• How he realised pro rugby was possible

• Why he left South Africa for Munster

• The decision to represent Ireland

• How he earned trust and became a leader

• Why he retired at 31

• What life after rugby really looks like

Chapters:

00:00 Farm mindset, setbacks and showing up

01:33 Welcome to the episode

07:09 Growing up on the farm in George

12:38 When CJ realised pro rugby was possible

24:29 Why he left the Bulls for Munster

31:18 How Ireland became a real option

37:54 His Ireland debut vs Wales

40:40 Leadership, trust and earning respect

48:30 Why he retired at 31

55:05 Life after rugby: business, property and farming

01:06:45 Feeling out of depth after rugby

01:12:08 Final lessons and wrap-up

Listen, follow and share this episode with someone navigating rugby, leadership or life after sport.

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