White will add weight to the Sale scrum

Scotland lock Jason White has signed for Sale Sharks from Glasgow.

The 25-year-old, who is 6ft 5ins and weighs in at 18 stone, made his international debut in April 2000 in the win over England.

He was also voted Famous Grouse Scotland Man of the Match against England in February 2002.

Sharks head coach Jim Mallinder said: "Jason is a quality young player and I am delighted to add him to my squad for next season.

"He has played and competed on the international stage and I am sure he will fit in well with our plans."

We are obviously extremely disappointed to lose a player of Jason's calibre Glasgow chief executive David Jordan

White is the first of several expected summer departures from Glasgow, who will be forced to reduce their squad next season due to a cash crisis at the Scottish Rugby Union.

Two-thirds of Glasgow's 33 full-time players are out of contract, while former Scotland scrum half Andy Nicol is retiring.

Glasgow, whose disappointing season culminated in a failure to qualify for next season's Heineken Cup and the sacking of their coach, will operate with a squad of about 28 next season, but White was one player they were hoping to retain.

Glasgow Rugby chief executive David Jordan said: "We are obviously extremely disappointed to lose a player of Jason's calibre.

"However, Jason made it clear that he wanted to seek new opportunities and there does come a point when people say they want to try something different."

SRU chief executive Bill Watson added: "It remains our policy to encourage our top players to play their club rugby in Scotland.

"It is not always easy, particularly in the current financial climate affecting the Six Nations, but we strive to get the balance right in order that we can pitch very competitive terms and conditions for our elite players as we seek to ensure they play their club rugby in Scotland."

Meanwhile, interviews for a new coach for Glasgow will continue into next week.

Eight candidates are in the running, but Scotland A coach Hugh Campbell is being hotly tipped for the post, with former Scotland international Sean Lineen as backs coach.

Edinburgh have insisted that their coach, Frank Hadden, and forwards coach Henry Edwards would remain with them next season.