Neil Briggs leaves Sale Sharks for French side Bourgoin

Briggs captained the Sharks for a spell during the 2010/11 season

Sale Sharks hooker Neil Briggs has left the club at his own request to join French Pro2 side Bourgoin.

The 26-year-old had signed a deal in May to stay with the Sharks until the end of the 2012 season.

But Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond said: "After lengthy discussions, Neil decided he wanted to join Bourgoin and we wish him well.

"I would like to thank him for his time at Sale Sharks and the contribution he made as member of the squad."

Briggs, who has also featured as a flanker for the Sharks, joined from Rotherham in 2005 and has represented England Under-21s and England Saxons.