CJ Stander and his wife are expecting their first child
Ireland and Munster star CJ Stander and his wife, Jean-Marie, have announced that they are expecting their first child.
The couple, who married in 2013, made the announcement on Valentine's Day by posting a photo of themselves with their two dogs on Instagram.
The caption reads:
On this Valentines day there is no better time to say, our hearts have been stirred. .For this child we‘ve prayed & our prayers have been heard. .With gratitude & excitement we can say there is a Stander baby on the way! ❤️ #werepregnant #StanderBaby
A peg board in the photo reads: "For this child we have prayed".
It also reveals that the #StanderBaby is due to arrive in August.
Stander's Munster teammate Andrew Conway was among those to send on congratulations simply saying "Yup the Standers" while former Ireland captain Niamh Briggs congratulated the couple on their "great news".
Sean Cronin - who has two-year-old twins - poked some fun at the expectant parents, welcoming them to "the party" and following it up with a few laughing emojis.
Former Munster and Ireland teammate Simon Zebo posted "Well done lads" under the adorable snap.
Michael Flatley also congratulated the couple, writing: "Congratulations CJ! May God bless you and your family."
Friends including Jessica Moloney, Jess Redden, Elvira Fernandez and Ali Cunningham posted their "amazing news".
There is already speculation about Baby Stander's future rugby career and what country the little one might opt to line out for.
"Congratulations to you both. Fantastic news. Now the important question? Please let Baby Stander be born in Ireland and eligible to wear the green shirt," wrote one commenter.
While it might be a little early for the child to declare a country, there is no time like the present to say congratulations.
