With Sale Shark’s first-choice scrumhalf Faf de Klerk in Japan with the Springboks, the Manchester-based side are set to sign another Springbok to cover for de Klerk.

Bulls scrumhalf Embrose Papier has reportedly agreed a three-month deal, according to the Rapport newspaper in South Africa.

The 22-year-old earned seven Test caps in 2018 but has not been picked by Bok coach Rassie Erasmus at all this year.

Papier would return to the Bulls ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.