Sale Sharks have moved to bolster their squad for next season’s return to top flight European rugby by announcing the signing of Italy full-back Luke McLean.
The Australian-born player joins from Treviso as a replacement for Rob Miller who is leaving the Sharks to join London Wasps in the summer along with teammate James Gaskell.
The 26-year-old has been capped 56 times for his adopted nation and Sale’s director of rugby, Steve Diamond, was delighted with the signature.
“Luke is an exceptional international full-back. He is a genuine 15 and great under the high ball,” he said.
“Luke will bring a lot of experience with him and will compliment and help push our standards.
“With qualifying for the new European Competition we have now brought in four internationals to replace the lads who are leaving. Luke is also a very competent goal kicker.”
Fearn, who previously played for Newcastle in the Premiership, moves to the Sharks from Championship outfit Bedford as they look to increase their front row options.
“Darren has been playing consistently well for Bedford in the Championship and he has been on our radar for a while,” Diamond said of the 25-year-old.
“He is a young lad, English and I am sure he will prove to be a valuable member of our squad next season.”
The pair join Nathan Hines, Chris Cusiter and Alberto De Marchi who have all signed on for next year and Diamond is looking for a strong finish to the current campaign.
“We have a massive game against Leicester Tigers on Saturday and finish with a trip to London Irish. Both are tough games but we are looking to finish on a high,” he concluded.
Image courtesy of Federazione Italiana Rugby via YouTube, with thanks.
