Former Wales U20 Joe Jones set to join Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of former Wales Under 20 international Joe Jones ahead of next season.

The 22-year-old prop has signed a five-year contract with the Aviva Premiership club and will join them from French side Perpignan.

"I'm really looking forward to giving my all to ensure I maximise the opportunity," Jones said.

"The time now feels right for me to return home and I relish the chance to provide the coaches a real selection option and hopefully help the Sharks to more successes in the Premiership."

Jones had a two-year stint with Sale Academy before he switched to Cardiff Blues in 2013 and later joined the France' second division side.

Sale Sharks rugby director Steve Diamond has welcomed back Jones back into the setup and believes he has all the right skills to succeed in his new stint.

"He's coming back to join us and we see him following in the footsteps of Will Griff John. At just 22, his maturation as a prop will come and we have got big plans for Joe.

"The way that the scrum laws have gone, we need these lads to be athletes and durable as well as real physical specimens and Joe possesses all of those qualities and we are delighted to have signed him."