Bath have confirmed that veteran scrum-half Peter Stringer will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

The 98-times capped Irish international came to the Rec in January 2013 and made his 50th appearance club against Harlequins last November.

Bath head coach Mike Ford said: “Peter has been a fantastic servant for Bath.

“His experience has been invaluable over the last two years, particularly in helping our younger players develop, and we’ll miss his professionalism around the squad.

“It’s a shame we are unable to keep Peter but with Niko Matawalu joining, Chris Cook re-signing and Will Homer coming through from the Academy, this has become an incredibly competitive position within the squad.”

Stringer added: “I am, of course, disappointed not to be staying at Bath but I’m very much looking forward to the next chapter of my rugby career elsewhere.

“I’ve had a great two years here and worked with some very talented players and coaches in that time. I’m looking forward to seeing how the squad develops in the next few years, and to playing my part over the remainder of the season to help the Club finish in style.”