Stringer: Don’t write me off
Peter Stringer’s international rugby career should be over after he missed out on the cut for Ireland’s 2011 Rugby World Cup; just don’t suggest that to him.
Things don’t quite look so good right now. He’s out of the international loop after amassing an incredible 98 caps and his contract with the IRFU runs out at the end of the season.
But don’t write him off because Stringer has neither given up on an early recall for Ireland or of playing on for at least another two or three years.
Although the diminutive scrum half might be feeling hurt at losing out on a third World Cup but he’s going to be up early Sunday ‘to watch Ireland beat the USA.’ His words not mine.
However, before that his focus is on helping Munster beat Glasgow Warriors at Firhill tomorrow night in the RaboDirect Pro12 league.
Once he knew another long trip to New Zealand wasn’t an option, it was easy to turn his attention back to Munster where he made his name and built his reputation.
“Everyone would love a shot at another tournament (World Cup) but it wasn’t to be. I find myself back with Munster, my head is totally clear and I feel I have an opportunity to get on with things here in Munster.
“If you dwell on things, your game suffers and I have taken the positive attitude of looking at where I am and have certainly only ever looked at playing matches.”
Stringer admitted his Munster colleagues were welcoming and conscious of his massive disappointment at losing out on the tour. But now they expect him to get on with the job in hand.
There was a rallying of the troops in a sense; when guys arrived back, we had done most of our pre-season with Ireland and away from Munster. The first 15 minutes of training like were ‘good to see ye guys, disappointed for ye, welcome back’ but then it was down to the swing of things, to the slag and the normal routine starts again.
“Then it’s all about the fact that the RaboDirect tournament is up and running and it’s all about getting ready for that, preparing for it and competing in it. We’ve got to remain positive, young guys are coming through and they want to make an impression, so that’s really what it is all about. There is a good mix of guys there now.”
Stringer had considerable regard for young Conor Murray and, indeed, for all of his rivals, but he is not about to throw in the towel.
“I genuinely feel I’m in great physical shape; it’s strange, you never know what way your mind and body is going to react to disappointment, but I get such a kick and a buzz about playing rugby that even sitting on the bench helps me drive forward.
“For instance, by starting last week meant a lot to me; just starting a match gave me a new lease of life in a sense. I get great enjoyment playing the game and that is the case at every level, not just international level.
“I get a kick about it, I feel happy buzzing around the place andhopefully I can pass on someinformation to other guys. I’m happy with the place I’m in at the moment, happy with my form and, hopefully, happy with the way things will go for the teams in the coming months.”
Down the line, Stringer hasn’t a notion of hanging up his boots, even if the IRFU call time on his contract at the end of the season.
“I can’t comment on the way coaches or the way people involved in contracts work, but I know myself that I have no intention of finishing playing at the end of this season by any stretch of the imagination.
“I will be playing rugby for another few years for sure, wherever that may be; in my own head I’m feeling good, I enjoy playing the game and I want to continue until the time is right to finish up.”
He doesn’t expect that to happen soon, but accepts that tomorrow night’s clash with Glasgow could be pretty tough.
“They’re a difficult team to play against and an even more difficult team to beat.”
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