CJ Stander arrived at Cork Airport in 2012 and made himself a mainstay for Ireland and Munster.
He departs Irish shores with 51 Irish caps including two wins against the All Blacks, a Grand Slam, a British and Irish Lions tour, as well as his star performances for Munster.
He has played his last game for Ireland with their victory over England in the Six Nations and last European game for Munster as they were knocked out of the European Champions Cup by Toulouse.
Stander came to Ireland in 2012 when he signed for Munster.
He was told that he was too small to become a South Africa player by his home country.
Here is what we know about the South African naitve.
Where was he born?
CJ Stander is from George in South Africa and was raised on his family farm.
He is 31-years-old.
Who is CJ Stander's wife?
CJ's wife is Jean-Marie Neethling and they are married since 2013 having met two years previously.
Her sister is South African Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Ryk Neethling.
Does he have kids?
CJ and Jean-Marie have one child, a young daughter Everli, who was born in August, 2018.
When did CJ make his debut for Irleand?
CJ played his first game for Ireland in 2016 in the Six Nations against Wales.
He qualified for Ireland in 2015 under the residency rules and opted to don the green jersey of Ireland rather than South Africa.
What will CJ Stander do when he retires?
He will return to the family farm in South Africa at the end of his contract with his wife Jean-Marié and young daughter Everli, stating his desire to bring his family home as a major motivation in his decision to leave Limerick.
“All professional sportspeople are told 'you will know when the time is right to hang up your boots',” said Stander on Instagram.
“It’s a sentiment one cannot fully comprehend until that day arrives.
“For me, that time has come, and I hereby publicly announce my retirement from all forms of rugby.
“I will be available to represent Munster until 27 June 2021 when my contract expires, and for International duty, until the end of the mid-year Test window.”
Why did he retire?
Stander explained how he can come to make the decision to call it quits in just over three months time.
"During the lockdown, I did a stocktake of what matters most to me in life.
"My faith, family and this incredible game I have played since I was six years old easily topped the list.
"However, I came to the realisation that my commitment to rugby has started to take an unfair toll on my family, who both in Limerick and South Africa have made considerable sacrifices for more than 25 years to allow me to live my dream.
"I am not saddened by my decision. I've had a full and utterly enjoyable rugby career, and I can now look back on a journey that has offered me rewards, memories and surprises beyond anything I could have scripted for myself.
"I wouldn't change a thing. The 150 matches I played for Munster were some of the most precious and formative experiences of my life.
"My blood will remain Munster Red long after I have said my goodbyes to the people of Limerick."
Stander revealed that he came to his decision during a training session with the province before Christmas, having always wanted to get out at the top of his game.
