British and Irish Lions

Sharks have also recruited French full-back Julien Laharrague, who has agreed a one-year deal after initially arriving from Perpignan earlier this season, together with Auch prop Benoit Bourrust.

Sale rugby director Philippe Saint-Andre said: "Julien has won 15 caps for France and there is a good chance he will be able to play for us during the World Cup.

"Munster came in with a very big offer for Julien, but I am pleased he has signed for Sale Sharks.

"Rudi is a tough attacking centre who has experience playing in Super 14s with Natal Sharks.

"And Benoit is one to watch for the future. Agen and Stade Francais both wanted to sign him but thankfully he chose Sale Sharks."

Radike Samo, one of only two players still playing top level rugby in Australia who placed against the 2001 British & Irish Lions, will return to top flight action with Queensland Reds against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.

British & Irish Lions hookers Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs will fight out their own private duel in the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday and then become team mates for the next six weeks a day later.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.