Clermont’s veteran Scotland lock Nathan Hines has signed a two-season deal to join Sale that will push his career close to 20 years.
The 77-cap second row will be 39 by the time his Sale contract draws to a close, with Sharks boss Steve Diamond hailing the capture of a “world-class player”.
Australia-born Hines switched to the United Kingdom in 1999 after playing both rugby league and union in New South Wales.
After stints at Gala, Edinburgh and Perpignan, Hines helped Leinster lift the Heineken Cup in 2011 before joining French powerhouses Clermont at the end of that season.
Sale have already confirmed that lock James Gaskell will leave the club in the summer, so Hines will fill the void.
“Nathan is a world class player and will fit in well with us at Sale Sharks,” said rugby director Diamond.
“He has vast experience playing at the highest level and is a regular starter at Clermont. Last weekend he was magnificent in helping his team beat Racing Metro.
“The forwards at Sale Sharks have played well this season and adding Nathan to the group will be a big boost to us.”
