Alasdair Dickinson has signed for Sale © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Alasdair Dickinson | Jonny Kennedy

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Gloucester Rugby | Sale Sharks | Scotland

Sale Sharks have recruited Scotland prop Alasdair Dickinson from Aviva Premiership rivals Gloucester.

The 27-year-old loose-head made his Test debut during the 2007 World Cup and has won 19 caps.

"Alasdair is another great signing for us," Steve Diamond, Sale's executive director of sport, said. "He has a very high work-rate and is a good scrummager. He will fit perfectly with what we are trying to achieve at the club."

Sale's Jonny Kennedy, though, has announced his retirement from the game after suffering a series of concussions. The 21-year-old centre, the son of Sale's millionaire owner Brian Kennedy, won Under-20 international honours with Scotland.

"We are really disappointed for Jonny as he had fought his way back from a knee injury and was hitting form," Diamond said. "His games in January saw him score three tries in three games, which deservedly won him the club's player of the month award.

"It's sad when a young player like Jonny has to leave the sport, but his health is more important and he has made the correct decision."