England and Sale Sharks flanker Hendre Fourie has been forced to hang up his boots after failing to recover from a shoulder injury.

The Aviva Premiership side have confirmed that the 33-year-old will be unable to continue after he picked up the long-term injury last season following his move from Leeds.

"Unfortunately, Hendre has had to retire," director of rugby Steve Diamond told the club's official website. "We got the final confirmation last week after taking medical advice.

"As a club we have backed Hendre 100% in his battle to get fit but unfortunately, his shoulder has not recovered. His body has been battered so much that the shoulder won't recover."

Meanwhile, Sale have snapped up Daniel Braid from the Auckland Blues until the end of the season following Fourie's exit.