Sale bring in Hyron Andrews on short-term deal from the Sharks

Sale have signed South African lock Hyron Andrews from the Sharks, the Durban-based United Rugby Championship club, on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

Andrews has this season played four games for the struggling South African franchise, who are bottom of the URC table with only one win – all of his appearances have come off the bench and have ended in defeat for John Plumtree’s side.

Known for his high work rate, the 28-year-old was sent off for the first time in his career for a dangerous clean-out when Zebre Parma ended an 18-month wait for a win in November.

A former South African schools and U20s international who joined the Sharks in 2016, he was banned for four games and returned to action in their defeat to the Stormers last weekend.

Andrews has made 83 appearances for the Sharks, scoring three tries, and was part of the side that suffered a Champions Cup quarter-final defeat to Toulouse last season.

Andrews will act as cover for Jonny Hill, who suffered a season-ending injury last month, and Dan du Preez, His arrival will pave the way for teammate Le Roux Roets, who is moving from Durban to Manchester this summer.

Second row enforcer Roets will replace Cobus Wiese, who recently confirmed that he is returning to South Africa to join the Bulls next season.