South Africa international Faf de Klerk joins Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of South Africa international Faf de Klerk ahead of the 2017/18 season.

The 25-year-old will make a switch from Lions after joining the Super Rugby side in 2014. The scrum-half has also represented Springboks 11 times after making his debut in June last year.

Sale Sharks rugby director Steve Diamond confirmed the signing of de Klerk, who will step into in the vacant position created by the retirement of former Wales international Mike Phillips.

"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 is an unbelievable ball-carrier, has a solid kicking game and he is exciting around the pitch. He sees the weakness in his opposition and can leverage this to his advantage.

"He is young, but has massive experience, and this will be crucial in helping us to build on the foundations we have put in place this year."