Sale have completed the signing of Worcester's James Collins © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: James Collins | Steve Diamond

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Sale Sharks

Sale have completed the signing of flanker James Collins from Worcester and executive director of sport Steve Diamond has promised that there will be further additions to the squad prior to next season.

Collins, 25, is Diamond's ninth recruit since rejoining the Sharks. There has been a drastic overhaul of the squad, with veterans Charlie Hodgson and Ben Cohen both leaving the club.

Diamond has replaced Hodgson with Clermont Auvergne fly-half Tasesa Lavea but most of his recruitment has centred on bolstering Sale's forward pack. Moldovan prop Vadim Cobalas, Wasps hooker Joe Ward and Munster loose-head Tony Buckley will bring front-row depth while Leeds lock Kearnan Myall will move across the Pennines.

Their back-row options have also been strengthened, with the signings of Collins, Scotland international Richie Vernon, Toulon flanker Kris Chesney and Northampton No.8 Mark Easter.

"James has plenty of potential and will fit in well with the work ethic we are creating at the club," Diamond said. "We are four or five signings off yet. There are a number yet to announce and there are four or five other positions we've identified."

Diamond confirmed Sale owner Brian Kennedy had committed to spending right up to the £4million salary cap - but he insisted there would be no panic buying.

"We are waiting for the right people to come along and if we've got to be a bit more patient so be it," Diamond said. "We are not going to rush in and waste money. We've got very capable players already here and who are arriving and we are planning for years here not for weeks or months.

"The players that have agreed to sign will do us proud and we are still on the lookout for a big forward and we have got four or five to interview over the next few days."