SALE Sharks have stepped up their recruitment drive ahead of next season by unveiling two more additions to their squad.

Just 24 hours after sealing the services of Scottish prop Gavin Kerr, Sharks director of rugby Kingsley Jones has made a double swoop with a strong South Sea island flavour.

Experienced Samoan hooker Mahonri Schwalger will be moving to Edgeley Park from Magners League outfit Llanelli Scarlets to help fill the void caused by the departure of French Test star Sebastien Bruno.

And with Sale having been scouring the market for a versatile full-back/winger, Jones believes they have picked up a cut-price gem in the shape of Fijian international Marika Vakacegu from National League One side Cornish Pirates.

Both new arrivals have put pen to paper on two-year contracts.

Schwalger boasts a formidable pedigree having figured for Samoa in the last two World Cups and also toured Europe with the Pacific Islanders in 2006.

Formerly a member of the Wellington Lions, the 30-year old has also played for the Highlanders in Super 12s.

Jones said: "We needed a solid replacement with Sebastien leaving the club.

"Mahonri is a similar age to when Bruno joined us and I am sure that he will prove to be an excellent addition to the squad.

"He's respected throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Mahonri comes highly recommended by a lot of people in both New Zealand and Wales.

Strengths

"His set-piece is one of his strengths but also he can carry the ball and, like Sebastien, he's very good in the scrum.

"We've got two very good young hookers in Marc Jones and Neil Briggs but we needed someone with experience and who is a senior figure and Mahonri will bring that to us."

Sale's chief executive James Jennings added: "Mahonri has proven credentials as an international hooker and will strengthen significantly our front row capability. I look forward to seeing him play in a Sale Sharks shirt."

Though less well-known, in former policeman Vakacegu, Sale's boss said they have recruited a hugely versatile player with his best years still in front of him.

Capped six times by Fiji at Test level, he also boasts plenty of experience in the international Sevens arena.

Jones said: "I think he's a fantastic signing for us. I have been told by three of my friends who coach in Division One that Marika's arguably the best player in the division.

"My son, Rhys, has played with him all season and tells me he's very professional. He's played for Fiji, is 6ft 1ins, big and strong with a lot of pace, has a good kicking game and I think he'll bring a lot to us.

"We need people here who will be available for the bulk of the season and we also need people who are here for the right reasons.

"Every time I've met him, this boy's attitude has been incredible. He's desperate to play for Sale Sharks and I'm sure that he can make the step-up to the Premiership."

Meanwhile, Sale skipper Juan Lobbe is one of six players nominated for the Guinness Premiership Players' Player of the Year Award.

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