PETER STRINGER IS set to write another new chapter in his rugby career after Bath confirmed that the veteran scrum-half will leave at the end of the season.
Stringer moved to the Rec in January 2013 and recently made his 50th appearance for the Premiership club.
But with Fijian international Niko Matawalu set to join from Glasgow Warriors this summer, the Corkman has not been offered a further contract extension.
Stringer, who turned 37 in December, gave no indication that he is thinking about retirement.
He said: “I am, of course, disappointed not to be staying at Bath but I’m very much looking forward to the next chapter of my rugby career elsewhere.
“I’ve had a great two years here and worked with some very talented players and coaches in that time.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the squad develops in the next few years, and to playing my part over the remainder of the season to help the club finish in style.”
Stringer first joined Bath on loan but was subsequently offered two one-year contracts by the West Country side.
“Peter has been a fantastic servant for Bath,” head coach Mike Ford said.
His experience has been invaluable over the last two years, particularly in helping our younger players develop, and we’ll miss his professionalism around the squad.
“It’s a shame we are unable to keep Peter, but with Niko Matawalu joining, Chris Cook re-signing and Will Homer coming through from the Academy, this has become an incredibly competitive position within the squad.”
Bath are currently second in the Premiership, five points behind leaders Northampton.
After my comments on the journal last night, I’d like to say I feel I went a bit over the top with a number of people regarding the Irish team selection. I felt my comments were judge-mental and rude and for that I’d like to take this chance to
apologize,
To absolutely NOBODY. All you fan boys can keep being salty. Farrell has picked burns as the main kicker who nearly missed a kick in front of the posts on Sunday. Nothing even has to be said for Keith Earls. Absolutely shocking team.
@Dave: Johnny missed touch last week too and on many occasions in the past, it happens. I believe Earls has a proven record at test level. Still one of the fastest in the squad, great in the air and defensively sound. Whereas you’re track record shows something far less desirable
@Dave: t
@Dave: that’s really clever what you did there! I was hooked, so excited about this apology from some random man on the internet, but then you totally flipped it!! So clever. Well done!!
@Dave: you must be feeling a little lonely over on Twitter with your 6 followers, but hopefully you’ll get a response over here to your trolling.
@Dave: Conor MacGregor called, he wants his shtick back
@Dave: come on pal, you haven’t seen your wife and kids in 3 days. Put the phone down and go downstairs
@Sam Murray: pretty sure the wife has left him
@David Nugent: pretty sure a gowl lile him never has a wife to begin with. Who’d have him?
@JarvisOFlaherterahry: ha ha
@Dave: Lol! Brilliant.
Sexton and Murray haven’t given a performece for a long time. Let’s give the new fellas a chance…
@Leonard O’mahony: nonsense, Sexton may have been a little bit off his usual outstanding self lately but hasn’t been a million miles off and Murray was poor early last year but is having one of his best seasons this time around. In saying that I’m delighted other lads are getting a chance in a big game
I’m 95% sure Sexton would of been jogging out Sunday afternoon if it wasn’t for this doctor, I’d say his wife and mum wouldn’t let him play tbh and fair enough.
@hypebeast: you’d be wrong then. I’d imagine the doctors in the Irish camp would uphold their professionalism regardless
I was deflated reading the team today. But on reflection even if we lose this will be a good thing. Hopefully the younger guys get a taste of what its like to play a proper French team. Im sure its heart over head stuff but I think this team have so much to prove and will want to win for Farrell and co especially given the doctors unprofessional comments. Casey and Byrne might come on and give a Stringer and O Gara type performance to win a close game in the dying minutes. In the words of Christopher Reeve “Once you choose hope anythings possible”
While it is never good players’ losing spots due to injury or misfortune, I am somewhat looking forward to seeing why sort of bench Ireland has ahead of the RWC2023. Sexton, Murray, O’Mahony, Earls, Healy all need to be replaced. So while I have sympathy for the injured (not for O’Mahony as he was just stupid), I am glad that these guys are getting a shot. I think the average age of the Irish squad is at least 5 years too old to be considered contenders in 2023.
@Corkonian In Dublin: you say that you “think”, I suggest you find something you’re good at instead.
We’re going to lose anyway so might as well give a few young guys a chance
Plenty of rumours whispering about Sextons field of vision being impaired. It may be time. Just saying.