Samoan centre Johnny Leota has signed for Sale Sharks ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

The 27-year-old, who was ruled out of part of last season due to injury, is scheduled to join up with the Sharks once Samoa’s campaign in the World Cup has come to an end.

The centre, who became a member of the Manawatu side in the New Zealand Provincial Championship in 2004, was welcomed to Sale by executive director of sport Steve Diamond.

"Johnny is a great signing for us and I am sure he will fit in well at the club,” Sky Sports News quotes Diamond as saying.

“He is playing well and I have had my eye on him for some time. He is a great defender and a great line breaker with ball in hand.

"Fans will remember when we signed Graham Bond nine years ago and what an impact he had. Johnny is a very similar player and we have high hopes for him."

Leota has racked up 24 appearances for the Highlanders in Super Rugby.