Sale Sharks have announced the signing of Scottish International back rower Josh Strauss on a three-year deal.
The South African born is currently playing for Glasgow Warriors who he joined in 2012 from The Lions and Golden Lions where he was captain.
He made his Currie Cup debut in 2010 and became a cult figure with his style of play and distinctive full length beard.
Josh has been capped eleven times by Scotland after making his international debut against Japan in the 2015 World Cup at Kingsholm.
Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said, “Josh is a world class forward. He has been performing well for both Glasgow and Scotland over the past five years and will compliment the squad in the ball carrying department. He is a leader and a very powerful athlete.
“The new owners Simon Orange and Ged Mason are keen to help Sale Sharks become one of the leading clubs and signings like Josh will help our cause.”
He said, “Since coming to the UK I always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to play in the Premiership, which is a highly rated competition by players in South Africa.
“I signed for Glasgow and needed to sign for a second term in order to qualify to play for the national side. I have really enjoyed my time with the Warriors but I asked my agent to look around in the Premiership for me. He came back with Sale Sharks who have a good name, a good record in the Premiership and looked an attractive proposition.
“I rang my friend Byron McGuigan who is at the club and he spoke very highly about Steve Diamond, Sharks as a club and the supporters.”