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Sale Sharks have signed Racing Metro second row Juandre Kruger and Saracens tighthead prop Kieran Longbottom for next season
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South African lock Kruger has 17 caps for his country and previously played for Northampton and Super Rugby side Bulls
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Australian-born but England-qualified Longbottom, 30, has been out with a long-term foot injury
Sale Sharks have announced the signings of Second Row Forward Juandre Kruger from Racing Metro and Tight Head Prop Kieran Longbottom from Saracens.
Sharks head coach Steve Diamond couldn’t hide his delight in signing Kruger. He said: “I sourced Juandre when I headed up the recruitment at Northampton and he helped Saints to win silverware and also to the Heineken Cup Final during his time at Franklins Gardens. He is a highly rated player and will do a great job for us.”
In 2010 Juandre returned to the Blue Bulls before joining Racing Metro in 2013. Juandre has also been capped 17 times by South Africa.
Speaking from Paris, Juandre said: ” I am delighted to be returning to the Aviva Premiership. It’s a well-run league with some great players and coaches. I had a great time playing for Northampton after Steve signed me and am looking forward to returning to the UK.”
Diamond’s plan to build a big pack for next season has also been boosted by the signing of Kieran Longbottom.
The 30-year-old joined Saracens from Western Force in 2014 and is English qualified through his late maternal grandmother. He made his Super 14 debut in 2008 aged 23 against Chiefs and moved to the UK to work with Mark McCall and Alex Sanderson at Saracens.
Born and raised in Perth Australia, Kieran is an excellent technical scrummager and Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said: ” I am delighted to welcome Kieran on board, he will fit perfectly into our plans, and the pack we are building for next season.”