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Rugby Union

Cockbain signs for Sharks

03/12/2007

Welsh international second row Brent Cockbain has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal to join Guinness Premiership side Sale Sharks.

The Australian-born forward, who qualifies for Wales through residency, moves to Edgeley Park after three years with Ospreys.

His former clubs also include London Irish, Pontypridd and Celtic Warriors.

Capped 24 times in his international career so far, Cockbain is a giant second row - standing 6ft 8in tall and weighing more than 19 stone - and has outstanding pedigree having toured with the 2005 British and Irish Lions squad.

And Sale Sharks head coach Kingsley Jones believes the addition of the 33-year-old to the pack will help his side mount a serious title challenge this season.

"Brent is well suited to the Guinness Premiership," Jones said.

"He's big, tough, resilient - we need people like that in our team and I'm sure he'll bring an edge."

Cockbain faces stiff competition for selection in the second row at Sale, with the club already holding a number of good options at the position.

Argentina international Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe is among several players to be used at lock this season, alongside first-team regulars Dean Schofield, Christian Day and Sean Cox.

Scotland international captain Jason White and French World Cup star Sebastien Chabal are both back-row forwards by trade but can also fill in at number four or five.