Andrew Higgins joins Sale Sharks on one-year deal

Higgins has appeared in 110 Premiership matches, scoring 24 tries

Sale Sharks have signed winger Andrew Higgins on a one-year contract following a trial period.

The 30-year-old, who can also play at centre, spent last season at Exeter Chiefs but made just four starts at Sandy Park, scoring one try.

Director of sport Steve Diamond said: "Andrew wants to start his career again, and we thought this would be a good opportunity for him.

"He's impressed in training and we'll see where he can get to."

Higgins joined Worcester, Sale's opponents on Saturday, in August 2000 before moving to Bristol and onto Bath where he spent six seasons.

Higgins resigned from Bath along with former team-mates Michael Lipman and Alex Crockett in June 2009 amidst allegations of failing to take drugs tests on three occasions.

The trio strongly refuted the allegations and initially Higgins chose to retire from the game before returning with Exeter last season.

Speaking on the move Higgins, who featured in the 28-0 pre-season win over Glasgow said: "I'm very excited to be joining Sale Sharks.

"The boys have been working hard, and it's been a case of getting up to speed with everyone else."