Tuesday 26 June 2018 15:07, UK
Former Ireland scrum-half Peter Stringer has announced his retirement after a hugely successful career.
The 40-year-old won 98 caps during 11 years as an international, which reached a peak with the historic 2009 Grand Slam - clinched when Ronan O'Gara kicked a drop goal after a pass from long-time half-back partner Stringer.
The number nine was also a member of three Triple Crown-winning teams and played in over 200 games for Munster, helping them to European Cup glory in 2006.
Stringer subsequently played for a number of clubs in the Aviva Premiership, winning the Player of the Year award at Sale in 2016 and finishing off at Worcester last season.
Stringer wrote on Twitter: "From the age of five all I ever dreamed of doing was playing rugby.
"I cannot describe how it feels to have lived that dream for nearly all my life.
"The journey has been an uncompromising obsession, filled with memories I will cherish forever.
"To the coaches who never saw my size as a disadvantage, thank you.
"To my team-mates, who motivated and inspired me, thank you.
"Thank you to my clubs in England - Saracens, Newcastle, Bath, Sale and Worcester - who gave me an opportunity to continue playing the game I love.
"However, my proudest days on a rugby field came from wearing the red of Munster and the green of Ireland, and will remain with me for the rest of my life."
