Sale Sharks have begun plans to replace Danny Cipriani by confirming the signing of AJ MacGinty from Connacht for next season.

Fly-half Cipriani confirmed last month that he will depart AJ Bell Stadium at the end of the season to return to Wasps, with whom he started his Premiership career.

Sale have subsequently moved for United States international MacGinty, who has impressed for Pro12 leaders Connacht since joining at the end of the Rugby World Cup last year.

"He is by far the best fly-half in the Pro12, he's great in defence and has an 80 per cent success rate kicking his points," director of rugby Steve Diamond told Sale's official website.

MacGinty added: "I am very excited to be joining Sale Sharks next season. They are a club with great ambitions and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead."