Wigglesworth made his Sale debut in 2002 against Bath

Sale and England scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth has agreed to join Saracens in time for next season.

The 26-year-old has five Test caps but has not played for England since 2008 having fallen down the pecking order to Danny Care and Paul Hodgson.

The Sharks academy product said: "I have had nine great years at Sale, but I feel the time is right for a change.

"Everyone can see something special is happening at Saracens, on and off the field, and I want to be part of it."

News of the Blackpool-born half-back's move comes just one day after it was announced former England prop Matt Stevens would join Sarries after he has served his two-year drugs ban.

Saracens rugby director Brendan Venter said: "Richard is a top-quality international in the prime of his career, and his eagerness to join Saracens is further evidence this club is going places."

Wigglesworth's move will be a cause for concern for Sharks supporters because their Wales international scrum-half Dwayne Peel is out of contract in May and could seek a move back to his homeland or overseas.

News for Sharks fans is already bleak after it was announced that Andy Tuilagi and Luke Abraham were both injured in the Heineken Cup home defeat by Toulouse on Sunday.

Tuilagi has broken his arm in the same place it was damaged last November while Abrahams has fractured his jaw.

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