Shepherd thrown lifeline by English club Sale

English Premiership team Sale have thrown former Qantas Wallabies utility back Cameron Shepherd a lifeline after his proposed move to Northampton collapsed on medical grounds.

The 28-year-old fullback and winger was due to join the Saints last week on a three-year deal after seven seasons with Super Rugby team the Western Force.

He struggled with groin and wrist injuries in 2012 and Northampton were not convinced he could cope with the demands of a hectic schedule and tore up his three-year contract.

Sale invited Shepherd to train with them and on Wednesday announced his signing along with that of outside centre Corne Uys from Newcastle.

"Cameron has got great pedigree. We're hoping to get him fully fit, so that he can seize the opportunity to make a big impact for this club," said Sale's director of rugby Bryan Redpath said.

The gifted Shepherd debuted for the NSW Waratahs as a 20-year-old and, after being picked for Australia two years later, he won the last of his nine caps for the Wallabies in 2010.