Sale Sharks have signed South African lock Le Roux Roets from URC side the Hollywoodbet Sharks on a two-year deal.
The towering second-row, who stands at 6’8” and weighs in at more than 134kg, will join the club ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Born in Boksburg, South Africa, Le Roux has turned out in the provincial colours of the Golden Lions, Blue Bulls and Pumas, while he also boasts brief overseas stints with Racing 92, in France, and the Waratahs, in Australia.
The imposing 29-year-old will now join countrymen including Ernst van Rhyn and the du Preez twins in a powerful Sharks engine room next season.
Alex Sanderson said: “From the conversations we’ve had and from what I’ve seen so far, Le Roux fits our mould perfectly.
“We’ve talked about what motivates him and what drives him, and he said he just wants to do the hard work and make others around him look better. It’s not about the Hollywood moments with him and I like that attitude.
“I think South Africans, culturally and through their mentality, have something in common with the hard working, no-nonsense, straight talking northern mentality. It matches up well and I have no doubt that he’ll be another one who will fit in well here.
“He loves to bang hard and he’ll add that bit more weight and power to our pack. We’re really excited to get him here to see what he can do.”
Le Roux said: “My wife and I are really excited about coming over to Manchester. For my career, it’s time for another chapter and time to experience something different and Sale is the perfect club for me.
“I like to pride myself on my defensive work and my set-piece but I enjoy the attacking side of the game too. I want to be a big presence in the tight five and try and get as much go-forward ball for the team as possible.
“Sale came to me a couple of years ago and I was really tempted by the offer but at the time I didn’t qualify for a work permit. Unfortunately, I did my ACL very soon after that.
“So when my agent called and said that Sale had come back again, it was a great feeling to know that such a big club obviously saw something in me.
“The Premiership is a really prestigious competition and I think the pace and physicality of the game will suit me. I can’t wait to give it a go and see what I can contribute.”
