Sale statement: Signing of 'loves to bang hard' 134kg Le Roux Roets

Alex Sanderson has bolstered his Sale pack for next season with the signing of the 134kg South African lock Le Roux Roets on a two-year deal from the Sharks. The Gallagher Premiership club developed a habit under former director of rugby Steve Diamond for recruiting South Africans and this has continued under Sanderson, who has now unveiled his latest recruit.

A statement read: “Sale Sharks have signed South African lock Le Roux Roets from URC side the Sharks on a two-year deal. The towering second row, who stands at 6ft 8ins and weighs in at more than 134kg, will join the club ahead of the 2024/25 season.

“Born in Boksburg, South Africa, Le Roux has turned out in the provincial colours of the Golden Lions, Blue Bulls and Pumas, while he also boasts brief overseas stints with Racing 92 in France and the Waratahs in Australia.

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“The imposing 29-year-old will now join countrymen including Ernst van Rhyn and the du Preez twins in a powerful Sharks engine room next season.”

Sanderson said: “From the conversations we have had and from what I have seen so far, Le Roux fits our mould perfectly. We have talked about what motivates him and what drives him, and he said he just wants to do the hard work and make others around him look better. It’s not about the Hollywood moments with him and I like that attitude.

“South Africans, culturally and through their mentality, have something in common with the hard-working, no-nonsense, straight-talking northern mentality. It matches up well and I have no doubt that he will be another one who will fit in well here.

“He loves to bang hard and he will add that bit more weight and power to our pack. We’re really excited to get him here to see what he can do.”

Le Roux added: “My wife and I are really excited about coming over to Manchester. For my career, it’s time for another chapter and time to experience something different and Sale is the perfect club for me.

“I like to pride myself on my defensive work and my set-piece but I enjoy the attacking side of the game too. I want to be a big presence in the tight five and try and get as much go-forward ball for the team as possible.

“Sale came to me a couple of years ago and I was really tempted by the offer but at the time I didn’t qualify for a work permit. Unfortunately, I did my ACL very soon after that. So when my agent called and said that Sale had come back again, it was a great feeling to know that such a big club obviously saw something in me.

“The Premiership is a really prestigious competition and the pace and physicality of the game will suit me. I can’t wait to give it a go and see what I can contribute.”