Wasps hooker Joe Ward has said that he will be joiningPremiership rivals Sale Sharks come the summer after signing a new two-year contract.

The 30-year-old, who was born in New Zealand but has played for England Saxons, has scored seven tries in 117 games for Wasps since arriving in 2005.

Ward signed a two-year deal at Adams Park last year.

Sharks executive director of sport Steve Diamond said: “Joe has been one of the top performers in the Premiership over the last six seasons.”