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39-year-old Peter Stringer is keen to play on next season

The former Munster man will leave Sale Sharks this summer.

PETER STRINGER IS keen to play on in professional rugby next season, as he gets set for his final appearance for Sale Sharks tomorrow.

The 39-year-old will leave the Premiership club this summer but remains hopeful of continuing to play in the 2017/18 campaign.

Peter Stringer Stringer is hopeful of playing on next season. Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO

Stringer is a legend of Munster and Irish rugby, having helped the province to their two Heineken Cup successes, as well as earning 98 international caps and playing a part in Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam success.

The emergence of Conor Murray limited Stringer’s first-team chances with Munster in his later years with the province and, after loan spells with Newcastle and Saracens in 2012, he joined Bath in 2013.

The scrum-half went on to help Mike Ford’s side into the Premiership final in 2015, when he started the defeat to Saracens, before moving to Sale last season and making 24 appearances in all.

Stringer has played 14 times for the Sharks this season and has been named on the bench for tomorrow’s final-round Premiership clash with Bath as he gets set to bid farewell to the club.

However, Stringer has not committed to retiring from rugby just yet. The42 understands that the former Munster man has been actively looking for a new club for next season and is currently considering his options.

Stringer’s sheer level of experience is an obvious attraction for clubs, while his passing quality remains superb.

Despite his age, the scrum-half is in excellent physical condition. Stringer is teetotal and has always impressed team-mates with his appetite for training.

Peter Stringer between Malcolm O'Kelly and Alan Quinlan Stringer has some superb memories in Ireland colours. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

It remains to be seen if the former Presentation Brothers College, Cork student agrees to a new deal – it’s believed nothing official is in place at the moment – but Stringer could clearly add value to many clubs.

His former Munster and Ireland team-mate, Donncha O’Callaghan, has enjoyed a fine season with Worcester and will play on next season at the age of 38.

O’Callaghan is another player famed for his highly-professional approach to training, injury prevention and recovery.

If Stringer does eventually opt to end his professional playing career, he will be content that he has left a fine legacy with Munster, Ireland and further afield, but right now the scrum-half believes he has more left to give.

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