London Welsh skipper Jonathan Mills has joined Sale Sharks after six years at the Exiles.

Mills made 169 appearances for Welsh, scoring 12 tries, and captained the Exiles to Championship success in 2011/12, and during the club’s first-ever season in the Aviva Premiership.

The 29-year-old made his debut for the club in January 2007, during a four game loan spell from the Scarlets, and the move was made permanent the following summer.

Among his many highlights during his time at London Welsh will be being named Sky Sports' man of the match in the first leg of the Championship final against the Cornish Pirates at Mennaye Field, and marking his 100th League appearance for the club by leading the Exiles to victory at Leeds Carnegie in September 2012.

He made 19 appearances for the Exiles last season in the Premiership. His one try came in a 29-19 win over Sale at the Salford City Stadium.

He capped last season by being voted player of the year, players’ player of the year and supporters club player of the year.

“I’d like to start by thanking London Welsh for allowing me to continue playing Premiership rugby,” said Mills.

“It was a very hard decision for me to make, but I’m no spring chicken anymore and felt I needed to continue playing in the Premiership with playing careers being so short.

“Over the past seven years I've had the pleasure and honour of working with some outstanding coaches and in Lyn Jones, I know London Welsh are in great hands and I have no doubt that the club will be competing at the top of the Championship and looking to bounce back up to the Premiership in the play-offs.

“I have to thank London Welsh physios Chris Jenkins and Lucinda Deekes for looking after me. Without them there were games I wouldn't have been able to play and to all the strength and conditioner coaches - I know I've been the bane of your life at times, but thank you for your help.

“When I first came to the club it was semi-professional and struggling towards the bottom of National League One. I’m so proud to have been part of this journey with the club, through full time professionalism and becoming a Premiership team.

"This wouldn't have happened without Kelvin and Pat Bryon, who have supported the club for longer than I can remember, but I'd like to thank them from the whole of London Welsh for what they have done for the club.

"Going forwards, with chairman Bleddyn Phillips in charge, I’m sure London Welsh can continue to grow and build on its first taste of the Premiership."