If Denny Solomona’s declaration that he is available for England has not come as a surprise, nor unfortunately has the admission that he has already braced himself for the inevitable criticism that will come his way. Putting aside his controversial switch from rugby league for a moment, the first thing to say about Solomona is that he is entirely within his rights to seek international recognition with England. He has completed the required three-year residency period and, as confirmed by his club Sale on Wednesday, the necessary paperwork.
Critics will point to two things. One, that the required period of residency is not long enough – hardly Solomona’s fault – and two, that his change of heart is financially motivated. Only last September he was quoted as saying: “My heart’s not here, it’s not for England,” when asked if he would consider playing league for England, where the financial incentives pale in comparison with the £22,000 a match that members of Eddie Jones’s side receive.
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