Bulls flanker CJ Stander has signed a two-year contract with Irish province Munster, his Super Rugby franchise said on Thursday.

“We could not match the Munster offer – that is the reality of professional sport,” admitted Bulls chief executive Barend van Graan.

“CJ was identified while still at school and formed part of our future planning.

The 22-year-old has had an outstanding first Super Rugby season with the Pretoria team, who are chasing a playoffs places despite losing many stars during the off-season, including iconic locks Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha.