No thanks.

IRFU performance director David Nucifora has revealed a contract offer was made to CJ Stander before the South African ultimately decided to retire from the game.

Stander shocked the rugby world with his decision to walk away from the game at just 31, citing family reasons.

Nucifora has made it clear his decision was not financially motivated, with the back-rower letting his employers know he was very “appreciative” of the offer but spending more time with his family was more important.

He added that the IRFU are “really disappointed” that Stander won’t be around next season but wished him all the best.

“We delivered an offer to CJ, and he came back and spoke with me, he was really appreciative of the offer he was given, and conveyed that to me personally,” the Australian said at a media briefing today.

“So it certainly had nothing to do with the financial elements of the offer to CJ. He has been a valuable player to Irish rugby for a long time and we would have loved to seen him play on, but he made a personal decision around what was important to him. And we respect that.

“As I said before, all players make personal decisions. They have different things that motivate and drive them, and form the basis of their decisions. Money is one of them, but it’s not the only thing that thy weigh up.

“Look, we’re really disappointed that CJ won’t be with us but he’s been an unbelievable player for Munster and Ireland for many years and we obviously wish him the best, going forward.”