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Solomona represented Samoa in rugby league before the move to Sale. Richard Sellers

New Zealand-born winger keen to represent England after switching to rugby union

Denny Solomana of Sale Sharks is eligible for selection and says he would grab the opportunity “with both hands”.

NEW ZEALAND-BORN wing Denny Solomona has revealed he would like to play for England after switching codes to play rugby union for Sale.

Solomona, 23, has scored 11 tries in 11 games for Sale after joining in acrimonious circumstances from Super League club Castleford.

Having spent three years in England, he now qualifies to play for his new home country on residency grounds.

Asked if he would like to play for England, Solomona told Wednesday’s edition of The Times: “Yes, 100%. If the opportunity presents itself, I’ll take it with both hands.

“At the moment I’m just focusing on the now and playing well for Sale. If it comes, it comes.

“I’ve bought a house here, I’m engaged to marry an English girl, I’m well and truly inside the English culture now. I’ve been here three years and that’s the choice I want to make.”

Solomona, who has represented Samoa in rugby league, did not comment on his controversial exit from Castleford, who are suing him, Sale and his agent over the move.

He retired from rugby league with two years remaining on his Castleford contract and returned to rugby union, the sport he had played growing up in Auckland.

“There’s always been an aspiration to come back and finish what I started in union. Now I’m doing it,” he said.

I sat down and spoke to (Sale director of rugby) Steve Diamond and my fiancee and we said (the criticism is) bound to happen. I just block (it).

“If it wasn’t for the Sale boys being so welcoming, it would have been a nightmare. Everyone’s got their frustrations. I’ve moved on, I’m sure they’ll move on too.”

Solomona could now be selected by head coach Eddie Jones for England’s tour of Argentina in June.

© – AFP, 2017

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    Mute P O Leary
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    Oct 6th 2013, 11:29 PM

    This could turn out to be one of the best title races in years. No team as of yet have looked a class above the rest. All of the “big” teams have lost to “small” clubs so far.
    Allthough the quality is down from other years this could be the closest race for years. Fingers crossed.

    As for my own club (Man United) all I can say is at least we got the 3 points. Still alot of very poor preformances from some of the experienced lads on the squad. Wouldnt say I am happy but lets hopd they improve comming up to the christmas period (apologies for using the C word in October)

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    Mute Beep Beep
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    Oct 6th 2013, 11:09 PM

    Liverpool flying Sturridge is on fire & Suarez is the best player in the league……
    No team looks really good so far, Arsenal weren’t great today & not one team look like they have a good defence
    United??? Shite rolls down hills

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    Mute Shane Ruane
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    Oct 7th 2013, 1:58 AM

    Bit harsh ruling Everton out of the top four race just because they lost to City. Could’ve easily drawn the game, Zabaleta’s dive got City a peno and Lukaku should have had a peno up the other end.

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    Mute Ronan Kelly
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    Oct 7th 2013, 5:49 AM

    Everton lose 3-1. United 4-1. Yet you’ll write off Everton who beat Chelsea. Which united couldnt do. Bit harsh.

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    Mute damian
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    Oct 7th 2013, 12:04 PM

    Yeah seems harsh alright. Not many teams will go to Man City this season and come away with a win…. Also considering that Everton’s squad cost as much as City’s most expensive striker’s weekly wage, they didn’t do too badly! ;-)

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    Mute sam beckett
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    Oct 7th 2013, 1:13 PM

    Surely he is only saying what everyone is thinking?
    Why do some people like giving out for the sake of giving out!

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    Mute damian
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    Oct 7th 2013, 1:19 PM

    I think you’re giving out for the sake of giving out!

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    Mute Declan Doyle
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    Oct 6th 2013, 11:29 PM

    Thanks for your lack of analysis beep beep. Most open league in years. United will be there for top four.

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