 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  | |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  | |  |
The 31-year-old All Blacks flanker, who has signed a six-month contract, has been capped four times by New Zealand and made 100 appearances for provincial side Auckland as well as boasting extensive Super 15 experience with the Blues and Queensland Reds.
"I didn't pick up a Super contract for the new season in New Zealand so I was looking at different options and this opportunity came up with a contract at Sale through to the end of May and it really appealed to me," said Braid, who was voted New Zealand Player of the Year in 2007.
"I've always wanted to play in the northern hemisphere and in 2008 I signed to join the Scarlets, but I tore my Achilles which sort of scuppered the move.
"I've played all my rugby in the Super competition, I played my 100th game for Auckland in the ITM final against Canterbury in October, so I have done everything I've wanted to in New Zealand.
"I know Sam Tuitupou quite well. We played school age rugby together back in New Zealand and with Auckland and the Blues, so he's given me a few tips, and I also spoke to Luke McAlister who used to play for Sale and he was really complimentary about the club.
"When I knew I was coming here I went on-line and had a look at the squad and saw some of the names here such as Sam and Danny Cipriani - and to see where Sale are in the table was a bit of a shock.
"But there are still quite a few games to go and with the win against Worcester, hopefully it's a case of onwards and upwards."
