Peter Stringer has tapped his last ankle…
Seven years after he last lined out for Ireland, at the age of 33, Peter Stringer has officially announced his retirement from professional rugby.
The Cork native, who’s career highlights include a Grand Slam and two Heineken Cups, played 21 seasons in the pro game. He spent 16 seasons with Munster and, following a permanent 2013 move to England, finished up with Premirrship sides Bath, Sale and, finally, Worcester.
The scrum-half made 98 appearances for Ireland and was a key member of the core group that brought Triple Crown and Six Nations success back, as well as putting it up to the likes of South Africa and Australia.
He scored, and set up, some massive tries in his time but he will be fondly remembered for his exquisitely timed ankle taps…
In his farewell message, shared online, Stringer thanked all his former teammates and coaches, as well as reserving special words for his family and fans of every province, club or country-backing persuasion that followed his two over the past two decades. The 5-foot-7 Stringer remarked:
“To the coaches who never saw my size as disadvantageous, thank you.”
Goodbye pic.twitter.com/nd7hNW7Xfm
— Peter Stringer (@stringer9) June 26, 2018
Since making the announcement, tributes, images, GIFs, videos and anecdotes have flooded in.
Brilliant Strings. Enjoy what comes next and bask in the reflection of an incredible career.
— Laurie Fisher (@LordLaurie58) June 26, 2018
As Peter Stringer finally retires from rugby aged 40, I am reminded that there are few who have gone about their fitness regimes quite so assiduously. pic.twitter.com/6eCQEE2lKT
— Andrew Cotter (@MrAndrewCotter) June 26, 2018
As a little insight into Peter Stringer's professionalism. He remains the only player ever to offer @Rugbyworldmag his own recipe for the nutrition page at the ripe old age of 39 when most of his similarly-aged peers are on pints and pies. The Peter Pan of rugby. #ledge
— Owain Jones (@OwainJTJones) June 26, 2018
Legend mate! congrats on an outstanding career!!
— jimmy gopperth (@jimmygopps) June 26, 2018
Peter Stringer has retired.
Incredible career.
Especially for a scrum half.
Most are burned out in their early 30s
👊👊👊
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) June 26, 2018
Congrats Strings! One hell of a career! Best of luck for the next step…
— Brad Barritt (@bradbarritt) June 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/pHDunner/status/1011578967415980034
The last string has been pulled.
Time for the next chapter.
