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London - England flanker Hendre Fourie has signed a two-year deal with Premiership rugby union side Sale Sharks from Leeds Carnegie for an undisclosed fee.
Fourie, 31, still had a year of his existing Leeds contract to run, but he turned down the offer of a new three-year deal with them.
"Hendre has been chased and courted by several Premiership clubs, but we are very pleased he has chosen Sale Sharks," said Sale's executive director of sport Steve Diamond on Friday.
"We would like to thank Leeds Carnegie for their help in the transfer of Hendre.
"He is a great addition to our squad, a player whose work ethic is second to none.
"Hendre is a tough individual and he will fit perfectly into our plans and what we are trying to achieve at the Sharks."
Leeds' relegation from the Premiership was confirmed earlier this month when Worcester clinched the Championship title following victory over Cornish Pirates.
South Africa-born Fourie becomes Sale's 16th new signing ahead of next season, and their fourth from Leeds following Scott Mathie, Kearnan Myall and Luther Burrell.
He joined Leeds from Rotherham in 2007, toured with England to Australia last summer and then made his Test debut as a replacement for Lewis Moody against New Zealand just over six months ago.
Fourie's departure from Headingley follows those of his fellow international forwards Steve Thompson and Marco Wentzel, who have both been captured by Wasps.
