Sale Sharks lock Jonathan Mills has handed the club a boost by agreeing a new two-year deal.

The 30-year-old made the move to the AJ Bell Stadium from London Welsh in the summer of 2013, becoming a key part of the set-up at the Aviva Premiership outfit.

There was some further good news for Sale, meanwhile, as hooker Neil Briggs confirmed his return back to the North-West from Leicester Tigers, four years after leaving for pastures new.

"Jonathan has been a key player for us since he joined us from London Welsh two years ago," coach Steve Diamond told the club's official website. "With his hard work and leadership skills both on and off the pitch, he epitomises everything that we are about.

"Jonathan played a big part in our success last season and has again been a key player for us so far this campaign and we are all thrilled he has signed a new deal with us.

"As for Neil, he needs no introduction to Sale fans. After leaving us he has picked up a wealth of experience playing with Bourgoin in France then with London Welsh and most recently with Leicester Tigers. And I believe that Neil has got better and better as his career has developed."

Sale are currently eighth in the league table.