Sharks swoop for second-row Rouse

Sale Sharks have strengthened their pack with the signing of lock Nick Rouse from Nottingham.

The 29-year-old, who was named in the Championship's team of the season for 2009-10, impressed the new Sale head coach Mike Brewer during a pre-season trial spell. Former assistant Scotland coach Brewer said: "The signing of Nick increases my options in the second row. He has been training with us for a few weeks and has done very well. He is a very good lineout player in both attack and defence."

Meanwhile, Ospreys coach Scott Johnson says the door is open for Gavin Henson to discuss a return to rugby.

Speculation continues over Henson's intentions, after being on unpaid leave for the last 15 months.

The player, who recently split from singer Charlotte Church, has spoken about a possible return.

Johnson told BBC Sport Wales: "When he's willing to come and talk about rugby my door's open."