Tuitupou will make the switch from Magners League side Munster © PA Photos

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Players/Officials: Sam Tuitupou

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership | Magners League

Teams: England | Ireland | Munster | Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have made another key addition to their armoury for next season with the signing of Munster centre Sam Tuitupou.

Born in Auckland, Tuitupou was a Junior World Cup winner with New Zealand's U21s in 2003 and has been capped nine times by the All Blacks. He also tasted Super 14 success with the Blues in 2003 and Air New Zealand Cup glory with Auckland in 2007 before joining English side Worcester four years ago.

He made the switch to Ireland last summer following the Warriors' relegation from English rugby's top flight but is now set to grace the Premiership once again next season. Tuitupou was part of the Munster team along with fellow new Sharks recruit Tony Buckley, which secured a place in the Amlin Cup semi-finals with a victory in Brive at the weekend.

Sale's executive director of sport Steve Diamond said he was thrilled to have got his man after making the 29-year-old one of his key transfer targets. "Sam is a great signing for us. He has a great workrate, is very strong in the contact area and will boost our back line in both attack and defence," he said.

Munster confirmed last week that Tuitupou would be leaving the province at the end of the season. "We here at Munster thank Sammy for his efforts this season," said coach Tony McGahan. "He has been a popular member of the squad and has certainly added to our backline unit.

"His dynamic work at the contact area has been a strong focal point for us in both attack and defence. We wish him the best in both his rugby and personal life in the future."

The Sharks continue their Premiership campaign against London Irish this weekend with the game set to be staged at the 28,000 capacity Reebok Stadium. 'Rugby at the Reebok' is already guaranteed to attract the biggest club rugby crowd ever scene in the North West of England with club officials hoping to break the 20,000 barrier.