James O'Connor switches to Sale Sharks from Toulon

Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of Australian international James O'Connor ahead of the 2017/18 season.

The 26-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Aviva Premiership club and will make a switch from French club Toulon, which he joined in 2015.

The 5ft 11in wing has represented Super Rugby sides Force, Rebels and Reds for which he has amassed 525 points combined from just 71 appearances. He also enjoyed a short stint with London Irish club in 2013-14 during which he featured in 15 games, scoring 100 points in it.

O'Connor holds the record for the youngest player to make a Super Rugby debut at 17 and a year later he held the record for the second youngest player to feature for Wallabies. He also won 44 caps for Australia between 2008 and 2013 and was overlooked for the 2015 World Cup by Michael Cheika.

O'Connor will join the likes of Faf de Klerk, Jono Ross and Josh Strauss in the Sale Sharks camp and rugby director Steve Diamond is pleased with his latest signing.

"We are delighted that James O'Connor will be joining us.

"He is a world-class versatile back that will add a lot to our game.

"He is the type of player that alongside a group of incredibly talented home-grown lads, will help us as a club to push on and achieve the vision of our owners Simon Orange and Ged Mason.

"He has great feet and an unbelievable running and kicking game which will threaten any opposition.

"What is exciting about James O'Connor is his potential. He was capped for Australia 44 times by the age of 23 and even now at only 26, he has played in the English Premiership, French Top 14, Super 15 and at international level.

"He has a lot of experience and is keen to show his international calibre. We are all pleased he has chosen to do this at Sale Sharks."