Sale have bolstered their pack options by signing flanker Onosa'i Auva'a on a short-term deal from the Blues.
Head coach Hanks confident forward can fit straight in
Sale have bolstered their pack options with the signing of flanker Onosa'i Auva'a on a short-term deal from the Blues.
Auva'a has represented New Zealand at Under-19 and Under-21 levels and was also a member of the All Black Sevens squad that won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
The 26-year-old will stay with the Sharks until February, joining two more former Blues - Sam Tuitupou and Tasesa Lavea - at Edgeley Park.
"He was a player whom I met when he was about 13 and he's always been a good player," Hanks told Sale's official website.
"He's come through the Auckland system like Sammy Tuitupou and Tasesa Lavea, so he knows those guys and will be familiar with them.
"He's got a big engine and has played for younger New Zealand teams. He's played a lot of Super 15 games in an Auckland side where he has been competing with very good All Blacks throughout his career.
"He comes from good stock. He's a leader and a very intelligent player, and his sister is a well known singer in New Zealand. I think he's musically talented off the field, too.
"We're confident he can fit straight in. When you are bringing someone in the middle of a season, you are looking for someone who can slot in seamlessly and that's what Onosa'i will be able to do.
"It's good timing for him, too, as he's had a few niggles over the past couple of years, so he hasn't had the consistent game time that he would have liked. It's a nice fit for him as much as us, as we're going to get someone who is really motivated.
"This is not someone who is ending their career, this is someone who is looking at a new opportunity and who is really motivated to do well."
