Sale Sharks have bolstered their ranks with the signing of Jonathan Mills from relegated London Welsh – their ninth addition of the summer.
The 28-year-old was an ever-present as Exiles captain last term and joins fellow team-mates Tom Arscott, Kirill Kulemin and Phil Mackenzie at Barton.
Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond believes the versatile Welsh forward possesses the necessary strength and leadership qualities to flourish with the Sharks.
“He is an inspirational player who leads by example,” said Diamond. “He is a very tough player and is only 28 years old.
“His displays in the Premiership last season were outstanding, including a great performance against us at the Salford City Stadium last September.
“Jonathan can play either lock or back row and I am sure he will be a big asset to us.”
The ex-Bath man played 169 times for London Welsh, scoring 12 tries, helping the Exiles win promotion to the Aviva Premiership in 2012.
Mills will test his mettle for the Sharks when they return for pre-season on June 14, with Sale announcing a pre-season schedule in France, England and Wales.
Sale will play three games in August, starting with Stade Francais in Le Havre, before clashes with Leeds Carnegie at Heywood Park and Blues at Cardiff Arms Park.
Diamond believes the three fixtures will provide a crucial opportunity for a packed Sharks squad to put their marker down for a starting berth next season.
“The three warm up games will give all the squad opportunities to impress before the season starts in September,” said Diamond.
“We have a few players coming into Carrington every day undergoing rehab, but all the squad return on June 14 to prepare for the new season.”
Image courtesy of ESPN Scrum, via YouTube, with thanks
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