Lewis-Roberts is part of the Wales 2010 Six Nations squad

Sale Sharks have beaten off interest from clubs in France and Wales to agree a new three-year contract with prop Eifion Lewis-Roberts.

The Wales international, 29, had been linked with French big spenders Toulon and several Magners League sides.

"It's great to see that Eifion is committed to the club," said Sharks director of rugby Kingsley Jones.

"Kingsley gave me my chance in professional rugby so hopefully I've shown a bit of loyalty," Roberts added.

Jones continued: "At 29, Eifion's at a good age for a prop and he gives us the added bonus of being able to play as both a tight-head and loose-head prop.

"There was a lot of competition for his services both from abroad and the Welsh regions and I know that his decision to stay with us has not been one that has been governed by money.

"He's shown some loyalty both to me and the club in the fact that we originally gave him an opportunity to make a living in professional rugby and everyone at the club is delighted that he's going to be staying with us."

The Ruthin-born former dairy farmer, who at 21 stones is the heaviest player in the Guinness Premiership, is affectionately known as 'the Fridge' by his team-mates at Edgeley Park.

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