Sale Sharks have agreed a deal to sign England centre Joe Marchant on a long-term contract from the start of the 26/27 season.
The 29-year-old made his name at Harlequins, making over 150 appearances for the club and playing a starring role in their dramatic 2021 Prem final win over Exeter Chiefs.
Joe joined French Top14 side Stade Francais after the 2023 Rugby World Cup and quickly became a key figure, making over 50 appearances for the club who currently sit third in the Top 14.
On the international scene, Joe made his England debut in a win over Wales at Twickenham in August 2019. He has gone on to win 26 caps but has been ineligible for Steve Borthwick’s squads since his switch to France.
Joe said: “When I spoke to Alex Sanderson he explained the direction he wants to take the club and the ambition he has. It’s a club that wants to win trophies and I’d love to be a part of that.
“Sale have always been a tough team to play against, so I’m really looking forward being a part of that next season.
“There are a lot of lads at the club who I’ve played and trained with for England and it’ll be great to play with them again. They have some of the best players in the country and I can’t wait to play with them.
“I’d love to get back in the mix for England but I know that first I have to get back into the flow of the Prem and put in some good performances for Sale.”
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Joe is a world class player. He’s got aspirations to play in the next World Cup and to do that he needs to play for a team that’s competing for the Prem. He believes that’s us.
“He’s got X-Factor on both sides of the ball and in the air. He’s got real gas and if we find him in that outside channels he’ll make something happen. But his ability to read the game defensively is just as impressive.
“He’s excited about playing outside George Ford. He’s some player and we can’t wait to get him here.”
