Stringer chooses Sale

Sale Sharks have announced the signing of former Ireland international scrum-half Peter Stringer.

Stringer will move to Sale from their Aviva Premiership rivals Bath. He has agreed a one-year contract.

Cork-born Stringer, 37, won 98 caps and made 230 appearances for Munster, while he has also played for Saracens, Newcastle and Bath in the Premiership.

Sale rugby director Steve Diamond said: “Once I heard that Peter was looking for a new club, I made my move, and I am delighted he has decided to join us.

“He, like (Sale scrum-half) Chris Cusiter, has bags of experience, and I am sure he will be a great addition to our squad.”

There had been some speculation that the Munster hero could return to Ireland to play for provincial rivals Leinster.

Sale, meanwhile, have confirmed that prop Alberto De Marchi will leave the club this summer following a mutual decision to terminate his contract.