Hercus has 23 USA Eagles caps

They have tried Arwel Thomas and Gareth Bowen in the role this season, but neither filled the void left by Stephen Jones' move to Clermont-Auvergne.

Hercus, 25, joined Sale in January 2004 and has 23 USA caps to his name, the last against Italy in November.

He has played second fiddle to England fly-half Charlie Hodgson at Edgeley Park and wants first-team rugby.

We probably want at least eight signings before next season Scarlets director of rugby Gareth Jenkins

Frenchman Valentin Courrent and young prospect David Blair provide back-up to Hodgson at the Zurich Premiership side, meaning that the club agreed to the release of the American.

"I have really enjoyed my time with Sale Sharks, and I am sure they will be among the leading European clubs in the near future," said Hercus, who has signed a two-year contract.

"I would have liked to have been part of that, but at this stage of my career I need to be starting more games, and the move to Llanelli will allow me more game-time."

Hercus was born in Falls Church, Virginia, but won his first representative cap for Australia Under-21.

He has also represented Belmont Shore (USA), Gordon (Australia), the New South Wales Waratahs and the Australia Barbarians.

My thoughts are that if the regions are going to buy foreign that they would be high standard players From Blue Join the Scrum V debate

The Scarlets have already signed overseas stars Inoke Afeaki and Hottie Louw for next season as they continue to rebuild their squad.

Director of rugby Gareth Jenkins says up to eight signings are expected in the close season, and has suggested that few of them will be Welsh.

He says he does not want to name potential recruits until the Scarlets' season ends in the Celtic Cup, but that the details should be finalised by the time they return to training on 7 June.