VETERAN scrum-half Peter Stringer has “returned to Ireland” after Worcester Warriors failed to renew his contract.

The ex-Ireland international who turned 40 this month joined Warriors on a short-term deal ahead of this campaign.

But Stringer has made just six appearances, with five of those coming off the bench as he struggled to establish himself in the side.

Although Jonny Arr faces more than two months on the sidelines with concussion, Francois Hougaard has nailed down the number nine jersey since recovering from injury.

Michael Dowsett and Luke Baldwin have also overcome their respective knocks to bolster new director of rugby Alan Solomons’ options at scrum-half.

“Peter has returned to Ireland,” said Solomons who arrived at Warriors as a consultant in October.

“He hasn’t played for the side during my time here but he is very professional, trains hard and is a first-class guy. He has been good to have around the squad.

“He has also had a great career, playing in some great Ireland teams and great Munster teams and has played well over in England as well.”

Solomons added: “Francois has recovered and is fully fit along with Mickey, Luke and George Wooten so we have options.”

It is now unclear whether or not Stringer will hang up his boots, but speaking in July the former Munster star said he had no plans to stop anytime soon.

“All through my career I could only see myself playing rugby,” said Stringer who has won 98 caps for Ireland.

“That’s why I made the decisions in my life to make sure I would last as long as possible in everything I do.

“Sometimes things are taken out of your hands, like with contracts, but for as long as I can play at the top level I think I will (continue) and look to be involved in these big competitions and with these big clubs.”