The Scottish presence in the Sale pack next season has increased as prop Alasdair Dickinson has signed up to the Sharks Revolution from Gloucester.

The 27 year old prop leaves Kingsholm to join compatriots Richie Vernon and Fraser McKenzie in the powerful force of Steve Diamond’s newly-assembled forward collection.

The former Heriot’s pupil joined Edinburgh Rugby in 2004, moving to Gloucester three years later. During his time with the Cherry-and-Whites, Alasdair has made 60 appearances, scoring three tries. Primarily a loose head prop, he is 6 feet tall and weighs 17 st. 5 lbs.

Alasdair has represented Scotland in all age groups, moving from the ‘A’ Team to earn his first full cap as a replacement against New Zealand in the 2007 World Cup. He came off the bench in the Calcutta Cup win against England for his second and made his first start against France in Paris two years later after eight substitute appearances. He now has 19 caps.

Sharks’ Executive Director of Sport Steve Diamond said, “ Alasdair is another great signing for us. He has a very high work rate and is a good scrummager and will fit in perfectly with what we are trying to achieve at the club.”

Meanwhile,

Sale Sharks 21 year old centre Jonny Kennedy has decided to retire from the sport, for medical reasons after receiving a series of concussions during his short career.

Executive Director of Sport Steve Diamond said, “ We are really disappointed for Jonny as he had fought his way back from a knee injury and was hitting form. His games in January saw him score three tries in three games, which deservedly won him the club’s player of the month award. Its sad when a young player like Jonny has to leave the sport, but his health is more important and he has made the correct decision.”

Jonny would like to thank the fans, his fellow players, all the staff around Carrington and Edgeley Park for their support and help through his enjoyable time at Sale Sharks.

Jonny made his Sharks debut against Cardiff Blues in 2008 and also played for Scotland U20’s in the Junior World Cup in Argentina in 2010