Jibulu's backed for England call

ALEX Sanderson is confident he will have another England recruit on his hands when Harlequins hooker Nathan Jibulu arrives at Sale in the summer.

- PAUL REES

The Sharks' director of rugby said he was blown away when he spoke to Under-20 international Jibulu earlier in the season and believes he will have a role to play in making Sale's pack the best in the Premiership.

“I was almost surprised by the maturity, drive and clarity he had over what he needed to play well for us and to go into the England team,” said Sanderson.

“It was one of the best conversations I have had with a young player. His drive is to play for England and he sees young front row internationals getting into England from our organisation.

“He wants to be a part of a pack that will be the best in the Premiership in a year or not before. He is a specimen, a physical freak and he is the type of front rower we like to recruit.

“We had a conversation about bringing him here early but Harlequins did not want to give us an advantage in the back end of the season.”