'It's what Axel would have wanted': Peter Stringer plays hours after Foley’s funeral

Peter Stringer has started Sale’s Champions Cup game hours after attending the funeral of his former teammate Anthony Foley, writes Stephen Barry.

The former Munster and Ireland scrum-half paid a touching tribute to his “protector on the field” after Foley’s untimely death and played tonight as it’s what Foley “would have wanted”.

Feeling numb and alone with only thoughts of this remarkable man.My protector on the field,I will miss you forever Axel.
RIP

— Peter Stringer (@stringer9) October 16, 2016

Both Sale and their opponents Toulon paid tribute to Foley with a minute’s silence at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Hours after attending the funeral of Anthony Foley, Peter Stringer observes a minute's silence before playing playing for #Sale v #Toulon pic.twitter.com/52gLsRAreg

— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) October 21, 2016

Sale Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said there was never a question that Stringer would miss either the funeral or the game.

“Strings made it clear that he wouldn't miss the funeral but he also didn't want to miss the game,” Diamond told BT Sport.

“Ged Mason, the new owner, put on a private plane and we whipped him in and out.

“He said Anthony Foley would have wanted him to play tonight. He's got his own motivations from his friendship there.”

'Anthony Foley would have wanted me to play tonight' @SaleSharksRugby's @stringer9 adamant about facing Toulon. https://t.co/2xcDxXboti

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 21, 2016