Sale Sharks have agreed to make Neil Fletcher's on-loan deal at Heywood Road a permanent move.
The ambitious Manchester club have agreed to sign the 24-year-old second row, who impressed at the end of last season after arriving from Leicester.
The former Moseley man, who had a stint in New Zealand with King Country, will join other big-name signings at the Sharks including Apollo Perelini and Jason Robinson who have joined from rugby league.
Meanwhile Sale's ties with the 13-man code look set to become even closer after it was reported that Peter Deakin, the chief executive of Warrington Wolves, had been offered the same role at Sale.
Rugby League Express also claimed this week that the two clubs are considering a ground share at a purpose built stadium being planned by the Wolves.
It was reported that Sale's owner Brian Kennedy could also take a controlling interest in the Wolves who have enjoyed 42 percent increase in crowds this season.
A decision on a planning application for the new stadium is due on August 23.