Stringer relishing fresh start

PETER STRINGER has admitted to being deeply frustrated over his lack of game time in the last few months with Munster.

The 98-capped Irish international completed his three-month loan move to Saracens on Monday where he admitted the chance to play rugby was the main reason for the switch from the club he had played with all his professional career.

“I’m really pleased. When I got the call last week from [Munster CEO Garret Fitzgerald] and realised Saracens were interested I was too glad to answer it,” he said.

“The situation I found myself in at Munster in the last few weeks was a bit frustrating and to come to a fantastic club like Saracens is a great honour and I’m really looking forward to getting involved.

“Those last few weeks were frustrating and I haven’t really got a run, coming off the bench in a couple of games. But it’ll certainly be nice to be involved with Saracens. The opportunity of the Heineken Cup and also the Premiership, which are two fantastic competitions, is something I can’t wait to get involved with.”

Stringer could make his debut for the club this weekend in Wembley against the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind week getting a phone call last week and finding myself here on a Monday but there’s a lot of work to do in the meantime and it’d be a fantastic occasion to be involved on Saturday.

“I’ve been involved with Munster for 13 or 14 seasons and we’ve been successful and I’ve had a good stint with Ireland too so hopefully I can learn a lot from the players and coaches of Saracens and add something to the set up.”

However, he’s looking to prove over the three months that he has a lot to offer professional rugby still and will use the period to prove his worth to everyone in Munster and beyond.

“I’m looking to bring a lot of experience and get out and play. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do as a professional rugby player since I’ve been involved with teams over the years. The last couple of months have been frustrating but I just want to play rugby and get high-tempo games going and see what I can do.

“I’d like to think I’ve another few years left in me. It’s hard to tell at this stage. Generally you talk to guys and if you’re in your last year they say you’ll know it but I’m certainly not at that stage yet. I’m fit and healthy. I’ve loved the game for as long as I’ve played and that’s the main part.”

Meanwhile, Doug Howlett looks certain to miss the second of Munster’s back-to-back Heineken Cup fixtures against Llanelli Scarlets, having already been ruled out of the first this weekend with an Achilles tendon injury.

Howlett faces a scan in the next 24 hours but indications are that he could be out for at least a month. Coach tony McGahan was keeping his fingers crossed yesterday as that time frame could be extended further if that scan reveals more serious damage.