Stringer to join Bath on short-term loan

Veteran Munster scrum-half Peter Stringer will this week join up with Aviva Premiership outfit Bath on a short term contract expected to last seven or eight weeks.

The 35-year-old, capped 232 times for Munster, has signed up with Bath on a similar deal to the one arranged last season with Saracens, but he will be available to Munster, if required for the knock-out stages of the Heineken Cup.

Munster coach Rob Penney believes the move makes sense for Stringer, who wants to play rugby at the top level but currently finds himself third in the pecking order in Thomond Park behind Conor Murray and Duncan Williams.

"As things stand, the opportunity that Peter desires to play top-level rugby consistently doesn't present itself here in Munster," Penney said.

"Cognisant of that desire, we are happy to accommodate him and Bath Rugby's request and hope the arrangement proves mutually beneficial.

"A consummate professional in every aspect of his conduct, he makes the move with our very best wishes."

Stringer has made just nine appearances for Munster this season, seven of those from the bench.