Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of Denny Solomona on a three-year deal.
Solomona, who is still contracted with Castleford Tigers ahead of the 2017 season, has been training with the Sharks for the last number of weeks against the wishes of the Tigers, who expected him to report back to training on November 7th.
The 23-year-old spent the last two seasons at Castleford and broke the record for tries scored in a Super League season last term, registering 42 tries for the Tigers.
He signed a new contract with Cas ahead of the 2016 season, but speculation surrounding his future was rife throughout the year, with a move out of The Jungle heavily anticipated within the media.
The winger had been heavily linked with a move to rugby union for months, with Sale’s interest thought to go back several quite a while.
Gloucester had also shown reported interest, while Warrington had been linked with a play for Solomona within the 13-man code.
Sale’s confirmation ends the longest saga of the off-season, although Castleford are set to launch legal proceedings on at least one count now the rugby union club have confirmed the deal.
Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said, “We are delighted that Denny has signed for us. He is a great player with an eye for scoring tries and has the added bonus of having played Rugby Union in his time at School & College.”
The transfer has been heavily scrutinised by people within Rugby League. Given Solomona left Castleford against the club’s wish despite being under contract, many believe it could have big implications on the future of cross-code transfers.
Solomona has allegedly retired from Rugby League, paving a way for him to pursue a career in the 15-man code.
