Sale Sharks confirm signing of 'collision king' Marius Louw

Sale Sharks have confirmed that they have signed Lions skipper Marius Louw on a two-year deal to bolster their backline for next season.

RugbyPass reported in December that inside-centre Louw, who has spent the whole of his career in his native South Africa, would be moving to the club when his deal with the United Rugby Championship outfit ends this summer.

Louw, 29, started his career with the University of KwaZulu-Natal before a six-year stint with the Sharks, was followed by a move to the Lions in 2022.

The Bloemfontein-born ace, who has played 13 times for the Lions this season, admits that he had no plans to leave Johannesburg until he took the call from Alex Sanderson, who'll be relieved that his long-term search for a new centre is now over.

“When Sale asked to speak to me, it was an incredible feeling for a club like that to want me. I believe things happen at the right time for you, and that was the case with me. That it just happened at the right time with the right club.

“The meeting with Alex was an amazing experience for me. We had such a good talk about the culture and environment at the club, but in the city as well.

“We talked about how the city is and how the club is really trying to make a difference in the community.  When the contract came through, it was a feeling I can’t really explain.

“It’s such a prestigious club with a rich history and so many fantastic players and brilliant fans who care passionately. It’s clearly an amazing environment, and I’m excited to do the best that I can,” he said.

Sharks Director of Rugby Sanderson said: “Marius is part of one of the best back lines in South Africa and so much of that comes down to him, because he makes everyone around him look brilliant.

“We’re getting an experienced centre whose collision dominance statistics are as good as anyone in the world. On top of that, he’s been a captain, he’s a leader, and he’s played with most of our South African players.

“It feels like a perfect fit and the perfect move for him and for us. Our game suits him, but he’ll also be fantastic for our young backline because he’s got plenty of experience.

“When we talk to a player, most of it is around the person they are, their values, whether it’ll be the right fit for both parties, and we ticked every box with him. We’ve got a real player here, and I can only see him being a massive success.”