Bruno has signed a two-year contract with the Sharks while Scotland captain Julian White has committed himself to the club until 2009, less than a week after Magnus Lund and Sebastian Chabal agreed new deals.

Director of rugby Philippe St Andre is developing a squad capable of not only challenging for the Premiership title but also major European honours.

Bruno credits St Andre and Sale's head coach Kingsley Jones with transforming him into a Test hooker and he now has his eye on playing for Les Bleus in the next World Cup on home soil.

''I have improved my game enormously since arriving at Sale and now have the chance to be France's hooker in the 2007 World Cup,'' he said.

''I have the benefit of playing with top-quality players around me in the pack.

''I believe that the team Philippe has built here will be a top force in the club game over the next few years, and I am thrilled that I will be a part of it.''

St Andre added: ''Sebastien Bruno, since he joined me here at Sale Sharks two years ago, has just got better and better.

''He is now first choice for his country and a vital member of the team here at Sale.

''He was very keen to stay with the club as he feels this is the place where he will develop his game the most, and that by staying at Sale he has the chance to challenge for the club game's major honours.''