New Zealand utility back Luke McAlister is expected to make his home debut against Bayonne in Sale's next match at Edgeley Park on December 13.
The 24-year-old, who was unveiled at Edgeley Park yesterday, and flies out to Italy today with the Sale Sharks squad to get to know his new team mates.
"It was a huge decision to leave New Zealand but the chance to join a club like Sale Sharks is a once in a lifetime opportunity ," he said. "It took me five or six months to make it.
"But I felt it was time for a change. I wanted to play overseas and explore the world and I have backed my decision. I don't want to look back.
"I'm probably one of the youngest to do it but I am sure there will be many more following.
"The game is changing so much. You grow up wanting to be an All Black but ways of thinking are changing and it's only a short career."
"My focus is now on Sale Sharks and whatever happens in the future happens. I really want to do my best for these guys."
McAlister turned down Munster and Toulouse to return to the north-west of England, where he lived for 10 years from the age of four while his father Charlie played rugby league for Oldham, Castleford and Sheffield Eagles.
He was a member of the Manchester United academy and remains a big Red Devils fan.
