SALE Sharks have signed flanker Daniel Braid from Auckland Blues until the end of the current season.

Director of rugby Steve Diamond said: “Dan joins us at a critical stage of our season. He is a hard working flanker who tackles well and reads the game well too. He is an important signing for us and I am sure he will fit in perfectly.”

On signing for Sale Sharks All Black Braid, aged 31, said: “It’s great to get the opportunity to come to Europe and play a different style of rugby and live a different lifestyle.

“I know Sam Tuitupou quite well. We played school age rugby together back in New Zealand and with Auckland and the Blues, so he’s given me a few tips.

“And I also spoke to Luke McAlister who used to play for Sale Sharks and he was really complimentary about the club.

“When I knew I was coming here I went on-line and had a look at the squad and some of the names here such as Sam and Danny Cipriani – and to see where Sale are in the table was a bit of a shock.

“But there are still quite a few games to go and with the win against Worcester, hopefully it’s a case of onwards and upwards."

But Sharks confirmed that Hendre Fourie has had to retire from the game.

"Unfortunately, Hendre has had to retire. We got the final confirmation last week after taking medical advice.

"As a club we have backed Hendre 100 per cent in his battle to get fit but unfortunately, his shoulder has not recovered. His body has been battered so much that the shoulder won't recover.”