Former All Blacks flanker Daniel Braid has signed with struggling English club Sale.

He joins the Sharks on a deal till the end of the English season.

Braid has been weighing up his options after missing out on a Super Rugby deal with the Blues and not being picked up in the draft.

The 31-year-old played eight tests between 2002 and 2010, including the 2003 World Cup.

He also played a season with the Queensland Reds.

Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond was delighted with the signing.

"Dan joins us at a critical stage of our season. He is a hard working flanker who tackles well and reads the game well too," he told Sale's website.

"He arrived in the UK on New Year's Day and came to Carrington this morning to meet his new team mates. He is an important signing for us and I am sure he will fit in perfectly."

Sale lie bottom of the championship with just two wins from 12 matches.

They have just lost former All Blacks coach John Mitchell who was briefly in charge before he suddenly returned to South Africa for personal reasons.

Former All Blacks second five Sam Tuitupou is also on Sale's books. 

- © Fairfax NZ News