Collins joins Sale

James Collins
12 April 2012

Sale executive director Steve Diamond has completed the signing of Worcester flanker James Collins and promised there are more new faces on the way.

Collins, 25, is Diamond's ninth new recruit since rejoining the Sharks as he undertakes a drastic overhaul of the squad for next season.

"James has plenty of potential and will fit in well with the work ethic we are creating at the club," said Diamond.

"We are four or five signings off yet. There are a number yet to announce and there are four or five other positions we've identified."

Diamond confirmed Sale owner Brian Kennedy had committed to spending right up to the £4million salary cap - but he insisted there would be no panic buying.

"We are waiting for the right people to come along and if we've got to be a bit more patient so be it," Diamond said.

"We are not going to rush in and waste money. We've got very capable players already here and who are arriving and we are planning for years here not for weeks or months.

"The players that have agreed to sign will do us proud and we are still on the look out for a big forward and we have got four or five to interview over the next few days."

Sale are losing Charlie Hodgson to Saracens and Diamond has told England's World Cup-winning wing Ben Cohen he can leave in the summer. Diamond has replaced Hodgson with Clermont Auvergne fly-half Tasesa Lavea but most of his recruitment has centred on bolstering Sale's forward pack.

Moldovan prop Vadim Cobalas, Wasps hooker Joe Ward and Munster loose-head Tony Buckley will bring front-row depth while Leeds lock Kearnan Myall will move across the Pennines. Sale have also strengthened their back row options with the signings of Collins, Scotland international Richie Vernon, Toulon flanker Kris Chesney and Northampton number eight Mark Easter.

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