England hooker Rob Webber will join Sale Sharks from Bath Rugby in time for next season.

Webber, who has won 16 England caps and featured in the last Rugby World Cup, will bolster the Sharks' front-row resources and director of rugby Steve Diamond is delighted with the signing.

"Rob fits perfectly into what we are trying to create at the club. He is a talented all round player, who is great at the set-piece and very mobile in the loose," Diamond said. "He is at the top of his game and will bring with him a wealth of experience."

Webber added: "I'm really looking forward to the new challenge ahead. I have spoken to Steve Diamond and the lads I know at the club and they have all spoken highly about the environment at Sharks and what the club are looking to achieve.

"I have enjoyed my time at Bath and would like to thank the coaches, players and supporters who have all been great with me since I joined from Wasps."

And Diamond revealed Webber will be the first of a number of deals for the Sharks. He added: "We will be making more signings and announcing the key players who have signed new deals over the coming weeks."