Flanker Mark Wilson has signed for Sale Sharks on loan from Newcastle Falcons.

The former Penrith junior will begin training at Carrington after the completion of the World Cup in November and will help bolster the Sharks' back-row options, meaning the 29-year-old will remain in the Gallagher Premiership for the 2019/20 season after Falcons' relegation from English rugby's top-flight in May.

Wilson said: "Firstly, I would like to thank Dean Richards and [Newcastle chairman] Semore Kurdi for allowing me to join Sale Sharks for the 19/20 season. Their support has been fantastic and I'm very grateful for the opportunity.

"I wish everyone at the club the very best for the coming season.

"I would also like to thank Steve Diamond for giving me the opportunity to come to Sale on loan. I'm very excited about joining up with the team for the coming season.

"It’s clear to see that the club is ambitious with an outstanding group of players, and I’m really looking forward to working alongside them, and giving everything I can to help the club achieve its goals.

"For the time being, I will be fully focused on the preparations for the World Cup and giving absolutely everything to help put the team in the best place possible for the tournament."

Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond said: "We are delighted to secure Mark’s services for the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season. It’s going to be a big year for us at Sale and it’s not often a current England international becomes available, so we jumped at the chance to loan him from the Falcons when the opportunity arose."

Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards added: "This has not been an easy decision for Mark because he is very loyal to the Falcons but, at the same time, we understand he has to think about his England selection.

"Playing Premiership rugby gives him the best possible chance of maintaining his place in the national squad, and as disappointing as it is to lose a player of his ability for a season, we fully understand Mark’s reasoning in reaching this decision."

Kendal-born Wilson has been selected in England's 31-man squad, ahead of the World Cup, with the official Rugby World Cup training squad set to be announced by head coach Eddie Jones on Thursday.