Sale sign Thornley from Wigan

Sale Sharks have signed young rugby league centre Iain Thornley from Wigan on a three-year contract.

The 18-year-old has played for the England Academy and was a target for a number of Australian league clubs.

Sharks director of rugby Mike Brewer said: "Iain's name was brought to my attention shortly after arriving at the club and after having a look at him play and talking to him, I decided to sign him up.

"Iain is one of the hottest young properties in both codes of rugby. He has chosen to move to rugby union although he was a member of the Wigan first team squad and was attracting interest from Australian league sides.

"He is a big lad in peak condition who has pace, great handling skills and is very strong defensively. He will have to work hard but I have every confidence in him."