Stander gets Ireland Six Nations nod
Stander became eligible to represent Ireland on residency grounds shortly after the World Cup and joins fellow South African-born player Richardt Strauss in the squad.
Ulster hooker Rory Best was named as Paul O'Connell's successor as Ireland captain. O'Connell retired from Test duty during the World Cup after a hamstring injury ruled him out of the tournament. Best has seen off competition from Sean O'Brien and Johnny Sexton to become the new skipper.
Jamie Heaslip has been named vice-captain, while New Zealander Schmidt has called up four uncapped players in lock Ultan Dillane, Stander, flank Josh Van Der Flier and centre Stuart McCloskey for Ireland's defence of the trophy.
"As always there were a number of tight decisions, especially with a number of players not being available to play in recent weeks. With plenty of new personnel involved, the Six Nations is going to be incredibly challenging and the players selected will know they will need to be at their best to be competitive," Schmidt said in a statement on the IRFU website.
Ulster wing Tommy Bowe, Ulster locks Iain Henderson and Dan Tuohy and Munster back row forward Peter O'Mahony have all been ruled out of the Six Nations due to long-term injuries. But Schmidt said that short-term absentees such as props Cian Healy (knee) and Mike Ross (hamstring) and flank Chris Henry (shoulder) could return after Ireland's first two matches against Wales and France.
"Stalwarts such as Mike Ross, Cian Healy and Chris Henry are all likely to return to play over the coming weeks and they, along with some of the other players not included, will potentially return to the squad post these first two matches," he added.
Schmidt said that he had elected against including young prospects such as 20-year-old Leinster centre Garry Ringrose, who has been likened to Ireland great Brian O'Driscoll.
"There are a few new faces, but at the same time we have resisted the temptation to include some of the very promising youngsters, allowing them a bit more time to develop as well as the opportunity of further game time with their provinces," he stated.
Ireland begin their quest for a third successive Six Nations crown against Wales in Dublin on February 7, before tackling France in Paris the following weekend.
Ireland squad:
Forwards: Rory Best (captain), Sean Cronin, James Cronin, Ultan Dillane, Tadhg Furlong, Jamie Heaslip, Rob Herring, Mike McCarthy, Jack McGrath, Martin Moore, Sean O'Brien, Tommy O'Donnell, Rhys Ruddock, Donnacha Ryan, CJ Stander, Richardt Strauss, Devin Toner, Josh van der Flier, Nathan White.
Backs: Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Robbie Henshaw, Paddy Jackson, David Kearney, Rob Kearney, Ian Madigan, Kieran Marmion, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Jared Payne, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton, Andrew Trimble, Simon Zebo.
Agence France-Presse
