Sale Sharks sign New Zealand star Sam Tuitupou from Munster

Sale Sharks have signed New Zealand inside centre Sam Tuitupou from Munster on a two-year contract.

The 29-year-old had made 20 appearances for the Magners League champions after joining them from Worcester Warriors last summer.

The Auckland-born centre won the Under-21 World Cup and also has nine All Blacks caps, picking up the Air New Zealand Cup with Auckland and a Super 14s title with the Blues.

Tuitupou joined Worcester in 2007 and scored 13 tries in 54 games.

Sharks executive director of rugby Steve Diamond said: "Sam is a fantastic signing for Sale Sharks.

"He has a great work rate, is very strong in the contact area and will boost our back line in both attack and defence.

"The experience that he has gained from playing in some great teams throughout his career will benefit our squad tremendously next season."