Solomona: Castleford seek damages against Sale
The 23-year-old New Zealand-born wing signed a three-year contract with Rugby Union club Sale after the Samoan international 'resigned' from Rugby League with two years remaining on his contract at Castleford.
However, a furious Castleford are pursuing both Sale – who insist they did nothing wrong – and the player's agent Andy Clarke for allegedly inducing a breach of contract.
"The proceedings have been issued as a last resort, having failed over the last couple of weeks to try and resolve matters without the formality of court proceedings," said Castleford Chief Executive Steve Gill.
"We have confidence that the legal system will bring out all of the facts and the truth.
"We are fighting this not just for Castleford Tigers but also for the integrity of all sports, including of course rugby union clubs.
"Our belief is that all contracts are sacrosanct in professional and amateur sports."
Solomona – who last season scored 40 tries, breaking Lesley Vainikolo's 12-year-old record for a Super League season – is likely to make his debut in the European Champions Cup pool game with title holders Saracens on Sunday.
Steve Diamond, Sale's Director of Rugby, earlier defended the club's signing of Solomona saying he knew of two other Rugby Union clubs who had been offered his services.
"We've never wanted to go down the route of getting into any legal battles," said Diamond.
"We just wanted the deal done and I'm sure the powers that be are getting on with that as we speak.
"I don't think we've done anything wrong at all to be perfectly honest.
"Players have agents and agents put players up on the market place.
"There were two other rugby union clubs that I know of who were in the market to sign Denny Solomona.
"We've just got to bite our lip and get on with it and be candid. We've got nothing to hide."
Diamond, whose side are presently third from bottom of the English Premiership after 10 matches, said Castleford would have lost Solomona whatever had happened as he was determined to switch codes.
"He said he wanted to play the game he grew up with [Solomona played for Melbourne Academy]," said Diamond.
"If it wasn't a club in England, he was going to go back to Auckland.
"In all honesty, the situation has been blown out of proportion.
"These things happen in sport every week where players move around. It's behaving professional and getting it done."
Agence France-Presse
