Chabal, who still has four more games to play in Frances Top 16 league with Bourgoin, is expected to link up with Sale for pre-season training in late July or early August, after agreeing a two-year deal at the club.

Chabals move will bring to an end six years of service at Bourgoin.

The English are a little bit more professional than us, said Chabal.

It will be a good experience for me to get to know another league and another culture. It will help me going against other players.

I was well looked after at Bourgoin, I carry the club in my heart and Im sure I will always be welcome there.

At Sale he will be hoping for better luck after struggling with a string of injuries over the last couple of years.

Chabal suffered a niggling ankle injury in the 2002-2003 season, and then a serious knee ligament injury scuppered his chances of making a big impression after returning from the World Cup in Australia.