South Africa prop Amber Schonert joins from Cheltenham Tigers.
The 31-year-old is the sister-in-law of Sharks prop Nick Schonert.
Sale Sharks Women have signed Springbok prop Amber Schonert as Katy Daley-Mclean and Rachel Taylor continue their bid to build on last season’s seventh place finish.
The 31-year-old former bodybuilder, who is the sister-in-law of Sharks prop Nick Schonert, joins from Championship side Cheltenham Tigers.
Tighthead Amber made her international debut for South Africa in a Rugby Africa Women’s Cup match against Kenya in May.
And now she’ll join up with the Sharks squad immediately for pre-season ahead of the start of the Women’s Premiership season.
Amber said: “It’s huge for me to have the chance to play here, at the same club as Nick. We get on so well and he absolutely loves it here. He’s told me so many good things so it was an easy decision to make.
“This feels like a club that’s really putting a lot of money and effort into growing the women’s game. The facilities are fantastic and there’s no reason why we can’t aim for the top four.
“Like a lot of the South Africans here I love the physical side of the game and I’m looking forward to testing myself at this level. It’s going to be great to have the chance to work with Katy Daley-Mclean who has achieved so much in her career.”
Sharks’ Women’s Performance Lead Katy Daley-Mclean said: “We’re delighted to welcome Amber to the club. She’s a fantastic player, and a powerful scrummager and she adds depth to an already strong pack.
“Amber has only just arrived but already she’s fitted into the group so well and you can tell she’s a great personality to have around.”
