Marius Louw

South African Marius Louw joined Sale Sharks from the Johannesburg-based Lions ahead of the 2025/26 Gallagher Prem season.

The powerhouse centre had spent his entire career in South Africa, beginning with the Sharks before moving to the Lions in 2022, where he became captain.

On signing, he said he had intended to stay in his homeland until Sale showed interest.

"My contract was coming to an end this summer, but I didn't have any plans or expectations to leave," he said.

"Then Sale asked to speak to me and it was an amazing feeling for a club like that to want to interview me and maybe take it further.

"The meeting with Alex [Sanderson] was an amazing experience. We had such a good talk about the culture and environment at the club but in the city as well.

"I've played with most of the South Africans at the club and I've been speaking to them about the move. Being able to chat to them and hear about the culture that is already established at Sale has been great."

Marius spent time with the Du Preez brothers and Hyron Andrews during his time at the Sharks.