Sale Sharks Women have further strengthened their squad ahead of moving into the Tyrrells Premier 15s with the signing of Scotland international scrum half Mhairi Grieve.

The 26-year-old, who started out in sevens rugby before moving to the 15-a-side game, has represented her country 18 times to date.

Grieve already has a wealth of experience in the top tier of women’s rugby in England having played for Firwood Waterloo Ladies over the past three seasons.

She follows England’s World Cup-winning captain Katy Daley-Mclean, who will also have coaching responsibilities, and Wales prop Molly Kelly in joining the Sharks.

Sale’s head of women’s rugby Darren Lamon said: “It’s superb to be able to announce another high-quality addition to our squad in Mhairi.

“She is an experienced operator at scrum half within the women’s game which is evidenced by her International and Premier 15s pedigree.

“Mhairi’s style of play was highlighted by both Katy and I from the outset when discussing the type of players we wanted to bring over to Sale and from conversations with her over the past few weeks, we were not disappointed.

“Mhairi is exactly the type of player we want at Sale Sharks Women, competitive, hardworking, and skilful with a great knowledge of the game but most importantly, Mhairi wants to challenge herself in the new and exciting high-performance environment.

“I feel Mhairi will bring real quality to our ranks and make an immediate impact when pre-season is up and running. It’s exciting times ahead.”

Grieve said: “I’m really excited to be joining Sale Sharks Women.

“It is a hugely exciting opportunity to be part of a new, ambitious team that is focused on high-performance rugby.

"I can’t wait to get started at Carrington.”

It was confirmed last month that Sale have been accepted into the Tyrrells Premier 15s for the next three years and will be joined by Bristol Bears Women, DMP Durham Sharks, Exeter Chiefs Women, Gloucester-Hartpury Women, Harlequins Women, Loughborough Lightning, Saracens Women, Wasps FC Ladies and Worcester Warriors Women.

The Sharks will continue to work with Sale FC and the Sale 1861 team who won the National Challenge One league this season.

The club will also be offering a Centre of Excellence where the best talent in the North West get access to a professional set-up from next season.