Leicester and Sale will head into vital Guinness Premiership games on Sunday with England reinforcements already lined up for next season.

The Sharks have confirmed the signing of Mathew Tait from their Kingston Park opponents, Newcastle.

The 22-year-old, who has won 23 England caps, has penned a three-year contract.

Tigers are believed to have landed Falcons team-mate Toby Flood, although they have yet to confirm his capture.

Newcastle will receive transfer fees for players who both had a year of their contracts remaining.

Flanker Ben Woods is also exiting the Premiership strugglers, but key trio Jonny Wilkinson, Jamie Noon and Carl Hayman will stay on Tyneside.

Revealing the bombshell news, Newcastle chairman Dave Thompson said: "Having four of our first-choice back line away with England for so long this year, and the fact that they would miss half of our league games next season, has been a major consideration in the decision to allow both Toby and Mathew to move.

"We felt that the situation had to be addressed for the long-term good of the club.

"While we remain committed supporters of England and of English rugby, the interests of Newcastle Falcons remain our foremost concern, and it is with that in mind that we have agreed to these changes.

"We are currently in advanced negotiations with two Super 14 players, and hope to have some positive news to report on that front in the near future.

"I would like to thank Toby, Ben and Mathew for their contribution during their time at Kingston Park, and wish them well for the future at their respective new clubs."

Tait, who came through the ranks at Newcastle, is relishing a fresh challenge.

He said: "I am really looking forward to joining Sale Sharks.

"I have really enjoyed my time at Newcastle Falcons, but I am now looking forward to a new challenge at Sale Sharks and playing with a different group of players."

Flood is not available for Sunday's appointment against the Tigers due to an ankle injury that is likely to require surgery and probably sideline him for England's New Zealand tour next month.

The 17 times-capped Flood publicly criticised circumstances surrounding John Fletcher's departure as Newcastle rugby director in March.

After Fletcher left Kingston Park, Steve Bates was put in interim charge, but the Falcons have still failed to fire despite fly-half Wilkinson enjoying a relatively injury-free run following his troubles of recent years.

Tait is in the Newcastle side for a game Leicester must win, or face the prospect of a rare season without silverware.

Tigers are currently two points adrift of the play-off pace as they prepare to meet Newcastle and then Harlequins next Saturday.

Head coach Marcelo Loffreda said: "We know exactly what we need to do in the last two games of the season.

"We will travel with a positive attitude, but we know we will have to play very well.

"The players had a few extra days off last week when we did not have a game, but then we came back to prepare for these two massive matches against Newcastle and Harlequins."

Sale are currently fifth, one point behind their opponents Quins, and their chances have been bolstered by key forwards Jason White and Sebastien Chabal both making timely recoveries from injuries.

White is back to captain the side from blindside flanker, with Chabal reclaiming his familiar number eight shirt.

Sharks rugby director Philippe Saint-Andre said: "Our physios have worked overtime this week, and we are able to name a strong side for this crucial game.

"The return of Jason White and 'Seabass' is a big bonus for us in a game we need to win."

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