Sale Sharks sign South African lock Le Roux Roets ahead of 2024/25 season

Sale Sharks have announced the signing of South African lock Le Roux Roets ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The 29-year-old made his professional rugby debut with Golden Lions in 2014 and represented Blue Bulls, Racing 92, Pumas, Waratahs before joining Sharks in 2020.

He will now join the likes of his fellow countrymen Ernst van Rhyn and the du Preez at Sale Sharks next season.

"I like to pride myself on my defensive work and my set-piece but I enjoy the attacking side of the game too. I want to be a big presence in the tight five and try and get as much go-forward ball for the team as possible," he told the club's official website.

"Sale came to me a couple of years ago and I was really tempted by the offer but at the time I didn't qualify for a work permit. Unfortunately, I did my anterior cruciate ligament very soon after that.

"So when my agent called and said that Sale had come back again, it was a great feeling to know that such a big club obviously saw something in me."

Sale head coach Alex Sanderson feels the addition of Le Roux to the squad.

“From the conversations we’ve had and from what I’ve seen so far, Le Roux fits our mould perfectly.

“We’ve talked about what motivates him and what drives him, and he said he just wants to do the hard work and make others around him look better. It’s not about the Hollywood moments with him and I like that attitude.

“I think South Africans, culturally and through their mentality, have something in common with the hard working, no-nonsense, straight talking northern mentality. It matches up well and I have no doubt that he’ll be another one who will fit in well here."