Surprise, surprise! Peter Stringer is to leave Munster and head across the Irish Sea to North London to play for the Saracens.

Saracens have a scrumhalf crisis. Neil de Kock and Richard Wigglesworth, two top players of international experience, are out injured, and the club approached Munster about the possibility of getting Stringer on loan.

With s O'Leary and Conor Murray at Munster, veteran Stringer is not getting much game time but at Twickenham last Saturday, playing for the Barbarians, he should that there was still life in his body.

On Saturday, Munster announced that an agreement has been reached that will allow Stringer take up a three-month contract with Saracens, the reigning English Champions.

Following a number of injuries, including scrumhalves Neil de Cock and , the Premiership champions approached Munster with the proposal of a 3 month loan contract.

Stringer, who turns 34 this month and has played 98 times for Ireland, said: "I believe I still have a lot to offer and want to continue to play at the highest level.

"In the situation I currently find myself, that is outside the Munster match day squad, I think this temporary switch to Saracens will serve my ambition best.

"This offers me a new challenge, and I'm grateful to Munster management for their co-operation."

It is anticipated the arrangement, once the necessary paperwork has been completed, will begin with immediate effect.

Tony McGahan, Munster's Australian director of coaching, said. "We recognise the situation Peter finds himself in, are happy to accommodate this short term arrangement and wish Peter well."