Coutts started the Heineken Cup clash against Biarritz on Sunday

The 27-year-old, whose contract with Sale expires this summer, has signed a two-year deal with the Super 14 and will join them in November.

Before that, the Canberra-born forward will play for Southland in the National Provincial Championship in New Zealand.

"This opportunity to return to Australia was too good to turn down," he said.

Coutts, who has been a regular member of the Sale line-up after making his debut against Worcester last year, is keen to pursue his international ambitions with Australia.