Sale Sharks have appointed centre Sam Tuitupou as their captain for the new season.

The 29-year-old New Zealander, who has played for Munster and Worcester Warriors since moving from the Southern Hemisphere, captained his country at Under-19 and Under-21 levels, and has also skippered Auckland.

Sharks' executive director of Sport Steve Diamond said, "Sam has been outstanding at training, leading by example and motivating others.

"He has captaincy experience from his Auckland days. It was a difficult decision - there were three or four lads who 'stuck their hands in the air' and wanted to be captain - but we thought that Sam would be here with us and not be playing in internationals.

"That was one of the considerations with the new team and the new environment at the club: it's the right way.

"We're not having vice captains. If Sam is unavailable, we'll pick a captain as we go forward. We've got two other leaders in the group - Joe Ward and Nick Macleod - who are our 'governors'. They look after discipline for us and that's how it works out for the team."