Sale Sharks have signed South African international centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg on a short-term loan deal.
It is a major coup for the club as Rohan is one of the outstanding talents in world rugby. He will join the Sharks later this week after being a key figure for the Golden Lions in their last two Super Rugby campaigns.
He will remain with the club through until February when he will return to South Africa to play for the Lions ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season.
The 23-year-old began his professional career with the Blue Bulls in the 2013/14 season, making seven appearances and scoring four tries before moving to the Lions rugby set-up where he has also been a key figure for Golden Lions in their recent Currie Cup campaigns.
Rohan’s breakthrough season in Super Rugby came in 2016 when he scored 10 tries as he helped the Lions reach the Super Rugby final and he also won his first Test cap for South Africa, playing in their final Autumn international away at Wales.
Rohan made a similarly strong start to the 2017 campaign too before his progress was interrupted by a knee injury but he returned to action with a vengeance in the summer.
Boasting a strong physical presence, 6ft 1ins Rohan weighs 17st 2 lbs and is powerful runner with the ball in hand as well as being a devastating finisher and he has established a reputation as one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents.
Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond said he was delighted to welcome the exciting young South African to the club.
“Rohan is a powerful, highly abrasive centre and we are very happy that he will be joining up with us,” said Steve.
“He’s only 23 and I’m sure he will be an excellent addition to our squad.
“He was recommended by Faf De Klerk and Josh Strauss and everyone here is looking forward to welcoming Rohan to the club.”