Monday 8 May 2017 09:22, UK
Sale Sharks have announced the signing of South Africa international Faf de Klerk on a three-year deal.
The 25-year-old will replace Welsh international scrum-half Mike Phillips, who will retire at the end of this season.
He has made 11 appearances for South Africa since his international debut in 2016 and joins Sale Sharks from South African Super Rugby franchise the Lions.
He will join fellow new recruits Josh Strauss and Jono Ross in a re-shaped squad at the AJ Bell stadium next season.
Sharks' director of rugby, Steve Diamond said: "I am made up that Faf has decided to join us next season.
"He is tenacious with a fantastic work rate - he dictates the tempo and direction of the game and I think he will fit in well both with our style of play and with a young, ambitious squad.
"He has massive experience and this will be crucial in helping us to build on the foundations we have put in place this year.
"This signing, as well as the signings of Josh Strauss and Jono Ross, will help us collectively achieve our desire to be a top of the table team.
"I'm sure there will be a lot of excitement come our first home game of next season."
