England and British and Irish Lions hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie joins Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have announced the signing of England and British and Irish Lions hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie from rivals Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Cowan-Dickie made his senior debut with Exeter Chiefs in 2010 and has played 165 times scoring 41 tries. He made his England debut in 2015 and has featured in 41 Tests including the 2019 Rugby World Cup in which his side went on to reach the final.

He was selected for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, and played in all three test matches against the world champions.

Nevertheless, a shoulder injury has ruled him out of the upcoming World Cup in France which means he will join up with Alex Sanderson’s squad immediately.

“I’ve been at the same club for 13 years and I felt it was time for a change. This is the perfect move for me and I can’t wait to get started," he told the club's official website.

“I know Jonny (Hill) and Tom (O’Flaherty) from Exeter and they have raved about this club since they came up here. They have told me how good the environment, the lads and the coaching team are so it was an easy decision.

“It’s been a long journey trying to get fit and not knowing where I’d be playing but I can already see myself being here for a long time.

“This team reached the final last year and speaking to the boys here, they all want to go one better. I want to win and I’m confident we can have a successful year.”