Lions centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg has signed a three-year deal to join the Sale Sharks in England with immediate effect.

Janse van Rensburg, who earned a solitary cap for the Springboks at the end of 2016, spent a brief stint with the Sharks on loan towards the end of last year, before returning to the Lions for Super Rugby.

However, it was confirmed on Tuesday that the powerful midfielder has now signed a permanent contract to head back to the English Premiership club.

The 23-year-old is currently recovering from ankle surgery, with the Sale Sharks announcing that the Lions had granted him an early release.

Janse van Rensburg said that the chance to link up with Sale and close friend Faf de Klerk was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.

‘This was probably one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make so far in my career. However, having spent a short time with the Sharks last season, I know where the club wants to go and what everyone at Sale is building towards. It is something I definitely want to be a part of.’

Janse van Rensburg is the latest of several Lions players who have confirmed that they will be heading overseas.

Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images