Prop forward Ross Davies has joined Fylde from Sale Sharks.

The 24-year-old specialist tight-head, originally from Newport, joined Sale in the summer from Neath following a period with the Connacht divisional squad and club side Galwegians.

Davies has played for Wales at Under-16, U18, U19 and U21 levels and was a major factor in Neath's double winning season in 2007/8 because of his immense scrummaging power.

In 2005 he was in the same Wales U21 set-up as Alun Wyn Jones and Ian Evans.

Davies joined Wales' Dwayne Peel, Brent Cockbain, Eifion Roberts, Marc Jones, Nick McLeod and Lee Thomas at Sale, while former Wales skipper Kingsley Jones coaches there.

He's made a number of appearances for the Sharks' 'A' side this season as well as being a replacement in a Premiership game and two EDF Cup ties.

Davies' arrival will increase the number of high props in the first team squad, which has been depleted through the suspension of Darren Clark and the long term injury suffered by Adam Lewis.

He is likely to be named among the replacements against Bradford & Bingley on Saturday.