Dafydd James switches from Cardiff Blues to Sale

Dafydd James began his career at Welsh club Bridgend

Ex-Wales international Dafydd James has joined Sale Sharks on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old joined Cardiff Blues last summer his Scarlets contract was terminated, but has found first-team opportunities limited.

The Sharks have been troubled by injuries in their back division, prompting James' signing.

Sales's Welsh boss Kingsley Jones said: "He can play at centre or on the wing, where we've had injury problems."

Samoa centre Andy Tuilagi (broken arm) is the latest Sale player to face a spell on the sidelines and they hope the 2001 British and Irish Lion tourist to Australia can provide some much needed strength in depth.

Jones added: "We're delighted that Dafydd has agreed to join us until the end of the season. "

James began his career at Bridgend before stints at now defunct Celtic Warriors, Llanelli, Harlequins and a return to the Scarlets before joining the Blues.

He joins fellow Wales internationals Dwayne Peel, Eifion Lewis-Roberts and Brent Cockbain at Sale as well as uncapped Welshmen Lee Thomas, Nick MacLeod, David Bishop and Marc Jones.