Sale Sharks secure Premiership return for England star Joe Marchant

The 29-year-old first made his mark with Harlequins, where he racked up more than 150 appearances and played a key role in their dramatic 2021 Premiership final victory over Exeter Chiefs.

After the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Joe moved to French Top 14 side Stade Francais and quickly became an influential presence, featuring in over 50 games for a team currently sitting third in the Top 14.

Internationally, Joe earned his England debut in a win against Wales at Twickenham in August 2019. He has since collected 26 caps but has been unavailable for Steve Borthwick’s squads following his move to France.

Joe said: “When I spoke to Alex Sanderson he explained the direction he wants to take the club and the ambition he has. It’s a club that wants to win trophies and I’d love to be a part of that.

“Sale have always been a tough team to play against, so I’m really looking forward being a part of that next season.

“There are a lot of lads at the club who I’ve played and trained with for England and it’ll be great to play with them again. They have some of the best players in the country and I can’t wait to play with them.

“I’d love to get back in the mix for England but I know that first I have to get back into the flow of the Prem and put in some good performances for Sale.”

Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Joe is a world class player. He’s got aspirations to play in the next World Cup and to do that he needs to play for a team that’s competing for the Prem. He believes that’s us.

“He’s got X-Factor on both sides of the ball and in the air. He’s got real gas and if we find him in those outside channels he’ll make something happen. But his ability to read the game defensively is just as impressive.

“He’s excited about playing outside George Ford. He’s some player and we can’t wait to get him here.”