Monday 16 February 2015 17:10, UK
Bath Rugby have confirmed scrum-half Peter Stringer will leave the club at the end of the season.
Stringer joined Bath on loan in January 2013 from Munster and recently made his 50th appearance for the West Country side.
Head coach Mike Ford praised the 98-times capped Ireland international but admitted the club could not accommodate him next season.
The 37-year-old scored two tries on his debut and has been involved in the development of the younger players in the Aviva Premiership club's squad.
"Peter has been a fantastic servant for Bath”, said Ford. "His experience has been invaluable over the last two years, particularly in helping our younger players develop.
"We will 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.”
Stringer had been hoping to extend his stay with Bath but admits he is hoping to continue playing at another club.
"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.”
