New Zealand-born Denny Solomona branded ‘scum’ for desire to represent Red Rose in his new life in England with glamour model fiancee Jess Impiazzi
The 23-year-old was involved in a high profile exit from rugby league side Castleford Tigers when he switched to union to play for the Sharks, despite having two years left on his contract
DENNY SOLOMONA has been branded a 'snake' and 'scum' by rugby league fans on social media after announcing he wants to play for England rugby union side.
The New Zealand-born cross-code star said in a newspaper interview on Wednesday that he is chasing a call-up from Red Rose boss Eddie Jones.
Solomona walked away from rugby league in December, announcing his intention to retire. He then joined Sale Sharks. He has now qualified to play for England on residency grounds - and has stated he intends to fulfil that ambition.
That prompted an outpouring of vitriol on social media.
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Some of that anger if fuelled by the fact that should he play for England he will earn £30,000 per Test.
If he had stuck with Samoa he would have been lucky to have got more than £60-a-day in training fees.
More importantly, he was on £50K per year at Castleford Tigers - Sale will pay him around £250K per annum.
But before he qualified on residency grounds six months ago the confused Sale Sharks winger insisted that he didn't feel English.
Only 203 days ago the 23-year-old said: “My heart’s not here, it’s not for England.
"My heart is for New Zealand and Samoa and that’s who I’ll be representing.
“I’d love to represent Samoa while my grandparents are alive, it would mean a lot to do that, but it would be good if New Zealand came calling. I would be open to any option.”
Solomona now insists that buying a house in this country and becoming engaged to glamour model Jess Impiazzi has made him feel at home.
After changing his mind Solomona said: “I think it just came down to circumstances.
"They change, I enjoy playing here, I’ve been here three years and it’s the choice I want to make. I confided in my coaches and my family and they support me, so I’ll do whatever.”
Winger Solomona has already won a cap for Samoa in league and sensationally 'retired' from Castleford Tigers last year.
Straight after ripping up the last two-years of his deal in the Super League he signed for Sale in the Premiership and now the two clubs are now at the centre of a furious legal battle.
SunSport has been told that had he stayed put, he would have been considered for a call-up for May's Test against Samoa in Sydney.
But he is more likely to have chosen to have played AGAINST them for Samoa.
As Samoa are a Tier 2 nation in rugby league players can switch allegiances if a Tier 1 side comes calling and you qualify.
National boss Wayne Bennett has absolute say on who gets called up for his squads.
However, the Aussie has confirmed he would consider 'heritage players' who qualify through ancestry for the Samoa game and the World Cup.
Australians Trent Hodkinson, Blake Austin and Chris McQueen have all put their hands up.
Rugby league has also used players through residency grounds before.
In 2007, Samoan Maurie Fa’asavalu turned out for Great Britain and later England.
And in 2011, New Zealand born Rangi Chase turned out for England after previously representing New Zealand Maori.