One tradition introduced by stand-in captain CJ Stander may be his greatest contribution to Munster yet

It is something small but something significant.

CJ Stander’s influence is catching on. The Ireland back-row is an absolute gent off the field and makes the time to shake hands and greet as many fans, journalists and Munster staff as he comes by.

It is something you now spot other Munster players, such as Peter O’Mahony, doing too.

Stander will relinquish the Munster captaincy to Peter O’Mahony next season but he has revelled in the role all season. The only thing that has gone askew is a big ‘only’ – on-field results. Munster need to beat Scarlets on Saturday to have any hope of making the Champions Cup next season.

Two highly popular winners at the 2016 @IRUPA awards. History made by @CJStander too https://t.co/GBY2ySEqQf

— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 4, 2016

You don’t need to explain to Stander just how important this weekend’s season-ender is. The 26-year-old admits he will be “emotional” beforehand but he’s well used to that. He uses the tumult as a driving force.

Win, lose or draw, though, Munster will stay on the pitch after applauding Scarlets off and they will take time to salute the Munster faithful. Stander says:

“It’s a thing that we started doing more towards the end of the season to say thanks to the supporters. When it’s not going well on the pitch, it’s not going well for them. They have to struggle with the team.

“The support we got on Friday night [during the Edinburgh win] was the die-hard fans who wanted to be there. It was a sell-out but people got their tickets early and the momentum and push they give you with their singing and cheering [helps].

“I think that’s a thing we’ll do next season even more, just get that connection between the supporters and the players. That will be vital going forward in the next few years.”

“We played Stade Français [at Thomond Park] and the people that came that day, the people who wanted to be here, there was a lot of pride in them. It makes a big difference, so if we come on on Saturday and there’s even one more person who wants to be here, it would unbelievable.

“The more here the better for us. It gives you a lift when you run out. It’s funny, I always get goosebumps when I run onto the pitch and I can hear that the Munster supporters are there.”

This is one tradition we hope spreads through the country.