Sale cool O’Connor, De Klerk links

Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond stressed that press speculation about the signings of James O’Connor and Faf de Klerk is incorrect.

Recent reports suggested that the Premiership club was chasing versatile Wallaby back O'Connor and Bok and Lions scrum-half De Klerk.

But Diamond has poured cold water on that, saying: "I've not spoken to either player and don’t know where the speculation has come from.

"We have announced several new signings recently and we are in negotiations with several more players. Once they sign a Sharks contract we will make announcements."