Sale Sharks loose forward and Scotland international Josh Strauss has been released from his contract to join the Vodacom Bulls with immediate effect.

Strauss, who is in the Scotland World Cup training squad, and Sale Sharks have come to a mutual agreement to release him from his contract two years into a three-year deal with the club.

This has allowed him to sign for the Bulls, ahead of next year’s Vodacom Super Rugby season.

The 32-year-old played for the Lions between 2010 and 2012, captaining the Johannesburg team in Super Rugby and the Currie Cup, before taking up a contract with the Glasgow Warriors.

Strauss then joined Sale Sharks in the summer of 2017, making 46 appearances in all competitions during his time at the club, scoring five tries in total.

The news will come as a boost to the Bulls, who have lost loose forwards Hanro Liebenberg, Duane Vermeulen and Jannes Kirsten to overseas clubs.

Photo: Sale Sharks