SCRUM-half Peter Stringer has vowed to “make an impression” at Worcester Warriors as he looks to extend his stay beyond six months.

After being released by Sale Sharks at the end of last season Stringer admitted there were “a couple of options” on the table.

But the 39-year-old insisted it was a “no-brainer” to sign for Warriors despite only being offered a short-term contract at the Aviva Premiership outfit.

Director of rugby Gary Gold has brought the ex-Ireland star on board as cover for Francois Hougaard who is in the South Africa squad for the Rugby Championship which runs until October.

And Stringer says he is determined to cement his place as Gold’s first-choice number nine in Hougaard’s absence.

“Obviously I want to keep playing,” said Stringer who faces competition from Jonny Arr, Michael Dowsett and Luke Baldwin for a starting jersey.

“Six months is the time frame they are looking at with Francois being away so that gives me an opportunity to try to fight for a starting place here.

“There is competition right throughout the position so it is about getting on the field as many times as I can, trying to make an impression and seeing what I can do around the place.

“If there is an opportunity to stay longer I will certainly look at that but at the moment it is about getting to know the guys and new patterns and calls.

“I will worry about that first.”

There were doubts Stringer would continue to play when Sale boss Steve Diamond did not renew his contract.

He also celebrated the birth of his first child in April.

But the ex-Munster ace, whose family live in Ireland, insisted retirement never crossed his mind and he was keen to look for a new challenge.

“I had a couple of options but there wasn’t anything I was going to jump at,” Stringer said.

“We have had our first baby four months ago so we have been coming to terms with that at home in Ireland for the last couple of months.

“(Retirement) hasn’t really crossed my mind and I suppose it is difficult to make that decision when I still love the game and feel fit and really good.

“It probably makes that decision even harder when you are looking for reasons to retire and I can’t see any.

“It is a case of finding the right place and this just seemed to fit well with the guys who are here and the club itself.

“It’s not too far from Ireland as well and it just seemed right. It has surpassed all my expectations.”

Stringer admitted the chance to reunite with Gold was also a key factor in his decision to move to Warriors having previously worked with the South African at Newcastle Falcons and Bath.

“I have always been in touch with Gary,” he added.

“Ever since I first met him we would always chat and when this opportunity came up we were contacting each other quite regularly.

“He was keen to get me over and I was certainly very keen to get here so in the end it was a no-brainer.”

Stringer may be involved as Warriors kick off their pre-season friendlies against new Championship club Hartpury College at Sixways on Saturday (4pm).