Shape I’m In: Peter Stringer on staying match fit

PETER STRINGER is tackling social media in a bid to connect directly with fans during the Rugby World Cup. 

Though it’s a steep learning curve, he is prepared to put in the work into his KICCA postings to get the results.

“I haven’t done anything like it before — initially it was quite a bit daunting, but I think throughout the World Cup I’ll get more used to it and become a bit more relaxed and talk about different topics and throw it out to people on Twitter if there is anything they want my opinion on.

"It’s a great way to interact with people.”

Thanks for all the correction tweets and keeping me on my toes,obviously I meant Japan not Fiji.

— Peter Stringer (@stringer9) September 20, 2015

Playing for Sale and living in Manchester since July, the former Irish scrum half and new wife Debbie are settling in well.

“We know quite a few people outside of the club as well and it’s nice to have those while we find our feet and get to know people in the club. It’s a new adventure for us and it’s great Debbie has bought into it as well.”

The pair said ‘I do’ during the summer at an all-star wedding in Marbella, Spain.

So did he get to break out some great moves on the dancefloor in the same way he does on the pitch?

“There are two things in life that I’m absolutely no good at — singing and dancing.

“For the first dance I made sure I was holding on to Debbie quite tightly. I am not one for bringing attention to myself.”

Peter Stringer is one of TV3’s RWC 2015 panellists. All 48 games will be Live and Exclusive on TV3and 3e.

What shape are you in?

At the moment, we’ve done seven or eight weeks of really intensive training. After that period, you are probably in the best shape. Also my diet, which has changed in the past couple of years, has enabled me to get in the best shape that I’ve been in so far.

Have you any health concerns?

No. I don’t. Everything that I do is about playing rugby and you don’t look beyond that. But I suppose in the last couple of years it’s about getting your body in the best possible shape for when you finish playing and just being healthy.

It’s not just putting the right things in so you get the best out of your body on the rugby pitch or in the gym but also eating the right things because I understand now how important it is to have a healthy body and mind as well as giving my body the fuel it needs to perform on a day-to-day basis.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I had a food intolerance test done a couple of years ago and I found I had an intolerance to yeast and to a slight degree cow’s milk so I adapted my diet around that. I’ve been off all wheat products for the past three years.

I used to eat a lot of bread and I found I used to feel quite bloated. Since changing, I haven’t had that discomfort and I just feel much better.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

When I was living in Bath there was an organic farm that did its own buffalo milk ice cream.

It was quite natural and it didn’t upset my stomach, so I felt if I deserved a treat after a game it would be something I would have a few spoonfuls of. You can’t buy it in the shops, it’s an online delivery.

What would keep you awake at night?

If I’ve had a late-night kickoff, the adrenaline will be going and it might take a bit of time to get to sleep.

Also, if I have things going on outside of rugby it might keep me awake thinking through what I need to get done the next day. Generally, once I get into bed I’m ready to go to sleep.

What’s your favourite smell?

I love the smell of a new car — it has to have leather seats.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I think you grow up with who you are. I am who I am and I wouldn’t change anything.

If I had made any tweaks then maybe things wouldn’t have turned out as they did. I am happy with the way things are.

When is the last time you cried?

The day I was getting married when I saw my wife coming up the aisle. She was in tears as she approached me — I think I definitely shed a tear or two then.

What trait do you least like in others?

Selfishness.

What trait do you least like about yourself?

Probably not standing up for myself as often as I should.

Do you pray?

I’m not a regular church goer. If I need something or I’m praying for someone then these are the times that I’d do it rather than being thankful for things.

What would cheer up your day?

On certain days when I come home from a hard day’s training, emotionally and physically wrecked, and just seeing my wife happy makes me forget everything else.