Sale move for Marais

Marais arrival will aid Sale in their challenge for the title

Sale have clinched the signing of South African hooker Charl Marais from Western Province.

The 29-year-old, who has played 12 times for the Springboks, will arrive in England after his Currie Cup commitments are over later this year.

Marais made his international debut against Italy in 1999 and has played more than 50 Super 12 games.

He also starred in 31 of the 34 games played by the highly successful Stormers since he joined from Free State in 1999.

Sale are confident the arrival of Marais will strengthen a team which began its Premiership campaign with a 35-25 win over Bristol at the Memorial Stadium.

"Charl is one of the best hookers in the world and will be one of the last pieces in our jigsaw," said Sale forwards coach Steve Diamond.

"We proved at Bristol yesterday that we can compete in all areas as a result of our signings during the summer."