DONE: Sale sign England international on short-term contract

The former Wasps and Gloucester man, who has one England cap and was part of his country’s squad for the 2011 World Cup, has put pen to paper on a six-month deal.

Simpson made almost 250 appearances for Wasps after graduating from their academy in 2008, before joining Gloucester in 2019.

Sale boss Alex Sanderson said: “We felt that we were short of a bit of experience in the scrum-half position and Joe brings that in abundance. He’s a proven performer who’s played at the very highest level for the past decade and more and we’re sure he will be a brilliant addition to what is a very young squad.

“Everyone who has worked with Joe speaks really highly of him in terms of his leadership off the field so we’re really excited to see what he can do here. Joe’s experience will be invaluable for our young players like Raffi, Gus Warr and Nye Thomas.”

At international level, he represented England at U19 and U20 level, taking part in the inaugural Junior World Championship in Wales in 2008, as well as playing for the Sevens and Saxons teams.

Simpson made his full debut for England during the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand when he replaced Ben Youngs during a pool stage clash with Georgia.

Four clubs remain in contention to sign the former England fullback following his departure from Newcastle Falcons.

Brown, who has already revealed he will pursue a career as an agent when he hangs up his boots, is being lined up as a potential replacement for Simon Hammersley at Sale after the fullback quit.

Ealing, Worcester and French club Agen also remain in the race for the experienced speedsters signature.

32-year-old centre Burrell is also weighing up his options after he was released by Newcastle Falcons. There's no word currently on where he might end up.

Despite his departure not being officially announced, Yarde’s player profile has been removed from Sale Sharks website

Sources in Australia have informed The Rugby Paper ‘that the former England flyer has signed up with an Aussie agent to look for opportunities to further his career.’

The 30-year-old, who won 13 caps for England between 2013 and 2017, hasn’t played for his current club Sale Sharks since January 7, when he played 62 minutes of the defeat at the hands of Bristol Bears.

He made nine appearances for the Sharks, scoring two tries this season and also had a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

The 34-year-old announced earlier this year that he intends to move abroad after his only season at the Rec but could yet extend his playing career in the United States, France or Japan.

Despite the Dallas jackals being the early favourites to land the 16-cap fly-half, that move has since stalled according to The Rugby Paper.

They report that Cipriani ‘is waiting on an offer from Japan before he decides on what is likely to be the last move of his career.’