WITH PETER STRINGER on his way out and Mike Phillips retiring, Sale Sharks have announced the signing of South Africa scrum-half Faf de Klerk.

The 25-year old has signed a three-year deal.

De Klerk has made 11 appearances for the Springboks since his debut in 2016 and Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond described him as “world-class”.

“I am made up that Faf has decided to join us next season,” said Diamond, who recently announced the recruitment of Scotland international Josh Strauss and Jono Ross,” he said.

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’s 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’s 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.”

De Klerk joins Sale Sharks from South African Super Rugby team the Lions, after helping the club reach their first ever Super Rugby final last season.

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