SALE SHARKS have signed Argentine lock Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe and French hooker Sebastien Bruno.

Lobbe is a current Argentine international player with 45 Caps while Bruno is a French international who captained his side during the 2002 Six Nations Championship.

Director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre said: "After the loss of Iain Fullarton to Saracens it was important for us to sign a player with top level experience.

"Lobbe is a current international who can play lock but has also been playing at Number 8 for his current club Castres."

"When Matt Cairns joined Saracens I contacted Sebastien who was delighted to accept our offer to join us on a two year deal.

"Sebastien is a good in the scrum and is fierce competitor with a great work ethic. Sebastien joins us from Beziers.

He added: "I am confident we will be able to announce more top class signings in the very near future."

Profiles

Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe
Position: Lock/Number 8
Date of Birth: 20th November 1974
Height: 6ft 5ins
Weight: 17st 4lbs
Contract: Two Years

Sebastien Bruno
Position: Hooker
Date of Birth: 26th August 1974
Height: 5ft 9ins
Weight: 15st 8lbs
Contract: Two years with an option