Andy Farrell has revealed that it was six or seven weeks ago that CJ Stander made his decision to retire at the end of the season.
Senior Ireland stars Johnny Sexton and Peter O'Mahony admitted they were shocked to be told the news by Munster back row Stander and head coach Farrell on Tuesday, just five days before the big championship clash with England at the Aviva Stadium.
"Well, it was CJ's choice as well, obviously," said Farrell this afternoon.
"We've (the coaching set-up) known for a few weeks, he made his decision six or seven weeks ago and he's in a great mood and I'm absolutely made up for him to be honest.
"He's very content with his decision, very happy and when you put all that in context we're happy for him as well.
"He's in great spirits, because he has known for some time. He's known to himself that this will be his last Six Nations, so he's had a few games under his belt knowing that it was coming to the end."
Asked if it was the best approach to take, to inform the rest of the squad during preparations for a vital Test game, Farrell replied: "It is what it is. CJ deserves the right to speak to the players, he wants to tell them first hand rather than second hand.
"He doesn't want to leave Ireland camp with the news that he already knows and not have the chance to address the group."
And Farrell is backing the South African to muster up one last big performance in green at Lansdowne Road to end his Ireland career.
"He's been fantastic, he's been himself," said Farrell. "He's in a great mood.
"He is making sure that he's going to enjoy this week and we're all going to be with him on that.
"If we need any more emotion to go into an England game, the last game of the competition, then we're in the wrong place anyway.
"But, what we do want to do is enjoy the week for CJ, with CJ - and make sure we put in a performance that he's happy to sign off his Ireland career on."
