VETERAN Ireland scrum-half Peter Stringer has joined Bath as short-term injury cover.
Stringer, 35, will join the Rec men as regular number nine Michael Claassens recovers from a thumb injury, which is expected to keep him out until next month.
The Munster scrum-half is one of nine players to make over 200 appearances for the irish province and is Ireland's most-capped scrum-half with 98.
He has played in three Heineken Cup finals, scoring in the win over Biarritz in 2006 and helped Ireland win the Grand Slam in 2009.
More recently, the Cork man had spells in the Premiership with now-relegated Newcastle and Saracens.
Bath head coach Gary Gold said: “Peter is a world class professional and has an incredible amount of experience he can bring to the squad.
"He is still keen to compete at the highest level and we are short at scrum-half at the moment due to injury.
"I’m sure he’ll be a huge asset to our other nines with his invaluable experience and exceptional work ethic.”
MORE BATH RUGBY NEWS IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here