Peter Stringer has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

The former Ireland scrum-half, who made 98 appearances for his country, has called time on his playing career off the back of a stint with Worcester.

"From the age of five all I ever dreamed of was playing rugby. I cannot describe how it feels to have lived that dream for nearly all of my life," the 40-year-old wrote on Twitter.

"The journey has been an uncompromising obsession filled with memories I will cherish forever."

He added: "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."

Stringer was part of the Ireland side which won the Grand Slam in 2009, and he also helped them secure Triple Crowns in 2004, 2006 and 2007.