Peel has won 59 caps for Wales and played three Tests for the Lions

The 26-year-old, Wales's most capped scrum-half and in the starting side to face Italy on 23 February, will join for the start of the 2008-09 season.

He said: "This is a chance to sample a new experience and a chance for me to play against different players."

The Welsh Rugby Union says players who play their club rugby outside Wales may harm their international selection.

Interview: Scarlets director of rugby Phil Davies

Peel added: "I know four of the Sale Sharks players from the Lions tour of 2005.

"Sharks have some great players and I am looking forward to playing with them."

Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint Andre said: "This is excellent news for the club and the supporters.

606: DEBATE Good luck to Peel, if I was him I'd rather be playing in the best league in Europe DaiMoggs81

"Together with Richard Wigglesworth we will have two young, international players covering the number nine position."

The departure of Camarthen-born Peel, a Grand Slam winner in 2005 and a scorer of five international tries, will "leave a void" at Stradley Park, said Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher.

"Dwayne has served us admirably through one of the club's most thrilling decades," added Gallacher.

"He has been a cornerstone in helping us to develop a formidable European record in that time and in keeping us highly competitive in domestic tournaments."