Portugal Colonial - England centre Marchant set for Prem return with World Cup goal

Marchant is currently at Stade Francais, having played more than 50 games for the Paris-based club since joining following the 2023 World Cup.

He will see out the current campaign with Stade Francais, currently third in France's domestic Top 14, before moving back to England on a long-term contract.

Marchant has won 26 caps for England, the last of which came at the 2023 World Cup, but has since been ineligible for Steve Borthwick's side because of a Rugby Football Union policy that bans players at overseas clubs from Test selection.

Now the 29-year-old Marchant wants to challenge for international honours again ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

"There are a lot of lads at the club who I've played and trained with for England and it'll be great to play with them again," said Marchant in a Sale statement.

Marchant, who made over 150 appearances for Harlequins and helped them win the 2021 Premiership final, added: "I'd love to get back in the mix for England but I know that first I have to get back into the flow of the Prem and put in some good performances for Sale."

Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson believes the deal benefits both the club and Marchant.

"Joe is a world-class player," said Sanderson. "He's got aspirations to play in the next World Cup and to do that he needs to play for a team that's competing for the Prem. He believes that's us."

E.Borba--PC