Former Munster and Ireland scrum half Peter Stringer has decided to retire from rugby at the age of 40.
Stringer last played for Aviva Premiership side Worcester Warriors in December and has now opted to call time on a career that saw him win two Heineken Cups with Munster and 98 Irish caps.
The Cork native represented Munster over 200 times and released a statement today announcing his retirement.
“From the age of five all I ever dreamed of doing was playing rugby. I cannot describe how it feels to have lived that dream for nearly all my life.
“The journey has been an uncompromising obsession filled with memories I will cherish forever.
“To the coaches who never saw my size as disadvantageous, thank you. To my teammates who motivated and inspired me, thank you. To my parents and brothers, I could not have reached my goals without you.
“Thank you to my clubs in England – Saracens, Newcastle, Bath, Sale and Worcester who gave me an opportunity to continue playing the game I love.
“However, my proudest days on a rugby field came from wearing the red of Munster and the green of Ireland and will remain with me for the rest of my life.
“To those supporters, you are incredible people who stood by me and cheered for me no matter who I played for and for that, I will be forever grateful.
“Lastly, thank you to Debbie my wife, for the last 10 years when I faced some difficult decisions, you were there for me and backed me every step of the way. Here’s to the next chapter.”
Stringer also represented Saracens, Bath, Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks during his professional career.
One of his greatest moments in Munster red was scoring a try in their victory over Biarritz in the 2006 Heineken Cup Final.
