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Juandre Kruger James Crombie/INPHO

Springbok international lock to swap ROG for Strings at the end of the season

Ronan O’Gara’s Racing 92 are set to lose one of their big names for the 2016-17 campaign.

SALE SHARKS HAVE announced the signing of Juandre Kruger from Racing 92.

Kruger, who’s been capped 17 times by South Africa, will join Irish international scrum-half Peter Stringer at the Aviva Premiership club next season.

The 30-year-old lock joined Paris-based Racing 92 — where Ronan O’Gara currently serves as defence coach — in 2013, having previously had spells with Northampton Saints and the Bulls in his native South Africa.

“I sourced Juandre when I headed up the recruitment at Northampton and he helped Saints to win silverware and also to the Heineken Cup final during his time at Franklin’s Gardens,” said Sale Sharks head coach Steve Diamond. “He is a highly-rated player and will do a great job for us.”

Kruger said: “I am delighted to be returning to the Aviva Premiership. It’s a well-run league with some great players and coaches. I had a great time playing for Northampton after Steve signed me and am looking forward to returning to the UK.”

Sale Sharks / YouTube

Diamond is clearly intent on building a big pack so that north-west side Sale, currently eighth in the 12-team Premiership and in no danger of relegation, can improve their position next season.

To that end, the club have also announced the signing of tighthead prop Kieran Longbottom from Premiership rivals Saracens.

“I am delighted to welcome Kieran on board. He will fit perfectly into our plans and the pack we are building for next season,” added Diamond.

“We have some more signings to announce in the near future. We have been working hard on recruitment and our signings should do well in the Premiership and excite our supporters.”

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