Sale Sharks sign 'under the radar' South African prop

Sale Sharks have signed tighthead prop Cebo Dlamini from Griquas on a two-year deal ahead of next season.

The 24-year-old, who captained Griquas during their victorious Currie Cup campaign last year, will join Alex Sanderson’s side from the start of next season.

Despite spending the past three years with Griquas, the South African went on loan to the Sharks earlier this season, featuring in the United Rugby Championship and the Investec Champions Cup, before joining Dragons on another loan spell in December.

Sale have taken giant strides to bolster their front-row stocks ahead of next season, with Welsh duo Nicky Smith and Tomas Francis also arriving at the club.

Sanderson has described the prop as a “rare find” after the signing was announced, with South African props being one of the most sough-after commodities in the game.

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“I want to find a club that I can call home so I can try and reach my full potential,” the prop said.

“I know that a lot of South African players have gone to the PREM and become much better players through the quality and professionalism of the league.

“Sale have dominant forwards and have always been known for having a big, powerful, dynamic pack. I like a forward-dominant game, I love the set-piece and the scrum and I think the style will really suit me.

“I know Sale have a lot of good front row players and I’m looking forward to testing myself in training every day against international players like Bevan Rodd and Nicky Smith. I think the squad and the club will be in a really good place over the next couple of years.

“I’ve heard the club has really passionate supporters and I can’t wait to come over and put my best foot forward for them. It’s a club that’s hungry to win silverware and I really want to be a part of that.”

Sanderson added: “Cebo is a really positive guy, an infectious character who likes to laugh and who’s captained his club at 24 years old. On top of that he’s a really good player.

“He’s powerful, dynamic, can hold down that side of the scrum and his close quarters work is excellent. If anyone comes down his channel, he’s going to level them.

“I think he could be a really rare find for us. He’s gone under the radar his whole career but clearly he has the potential to be a really good Prem player because basics are very, very good.”