SALE Sharks have signed Italian full-back Luke Mclean.

Luke, 26, joins Sharks from Treviso next season. He has been capped 56 times by Italy.

Director of rugby Steve Diamond said: "Luke is an exceptional international full-back. He is a genuine 15 and great under the high ball.

"Luke will bring a lot of experience with him and will complement and help push our standards. With qualifying for the new European competition we have now brought in four Internationals to replace the lads who are leaving. Luke is also a very competent goal kicker."

Diamond added, "With having finished sixth and with the announcement of moving games to Saturday afternoon next season, we are delighted the fans have bought into this and our season ticket sales are going really well.

“We have a massive game against Leicester Tigers on Saturday and finish with a trip to London Irish.

“Both are tough games but we are looking to finish on a high."

Luke was born in Townsville, Queensland. His mother’s parents are both Italian. Luke played for Perth Spirit before joining Calvisano in 2007 before joining Treviso in 2009. He has also represented Australia at under 19 level.