Sale sign England flanker Hendre Fourie from Leeds

South African-born Fourie joined Leeds from Rotherham in 2006

Sale Sharks have signed England flanker Hendre Fourie from Leeds Carnegie on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The South African-born 31-year-old arrived in England in 2005 and spent a year at Rotherham Titans, where he made 23 appearances, before joining Leeds.

Fourie made his England debut when he replaced Lewis Moody against New Zealand at Twickenham in November 2010.

The former Cheetahs player then made his first international start against Samoa later that month.

Sharks executive director of sport Steve Diamond told the club website: "Hendre has been chased and courted by several Premiership clubs but we are very pleased he has chosen Sale Sharks.

"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 will fit perfectly into our plans and what we are trying to achieve at the Sharks."

Fourie still had a year to run on his contract at Headingley but after turning down a new three-year deal, he was given permission to talk to other clubs following Leeds' relegation to the Championship.

He becomes Sale's 16th signing ahead of the 2011/12 Premiership season.