Cardiff Blues can confirm that backrow / secondrow forward Michael Paterson will leave the region at the end of the season to join Sale Sharks
The Christchurch born lock joined Cardiff Blues in 2010 going on to make 56 appearances for the region.
Having represented New Zealand Under-21 in 2006 Paterson made his Canterbury debut in the Air New Zealand Cup later that year. His Super 14 debut followed for the Crusaders in 2007 before moving to the Hurricanes in 2010.
Despite being a strong contender to be part of the New Zealand squad Paterson joined the Blues, making his debut against Leinster at the RDS.
Speaking of the move Paterson said,
“I’d like to thank all the supporters for making me feel so welcome in Cardiff since I moved over from New Zealand three years ago.
“I’ve had a fantastic time in Wales and enjoyed every minute of it but I feel now is the right time to test myself in the English Premiership.
"I am very excited to be joining the Sale Sharks. My Grandfather was born in England and I am English qualified, so playing in the Premiership has always been an ambition of mine.
“I would like to thank everyone at the Cardiff Blues, especially Peter Thomas for the last three years, but the time seemed right for a new challenge and I look forward to moving in the summer.”