FORMER Wales international Dafydd James has joined Sale Sharks on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old, who was the first player to score 25 tries in the Heineken Cup, joined the Blues last summer after having his contract terminated by the Scarlets, but has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Cardiff City Stadium.

The Sharks have been troubled by injuries across their three-quarter line, with Samoa centre Andy Tuilagi being the latest to face a spell on the sidelines with a broken arm, and they will be hoping the British and Irish Lion can provide them with some much needed strength in depth.

Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones said: "We're delighted that Dafydd has agreed to join us until the end of the season.

"He can play at centre or on the wing, positions where we've had injury problems this year."