Castleford accept settlement offer to end Solomona saga

Castleford Tigers have accepted a compensation fee “in excess of £200,000” to finally settle their long-running dispute with Sale Sharks over the transfer of Denny Solomona.

The Tigers opened legal proceedings against Sale, Solomona and his agent Andrew Clarke following the wing’s controversial cross-code switch last year.

Solomona walked out on his contract with the Super League side to begin a career in union with the Sharks, who insisted they had done nothing wrong in acquiring the player.

On Friday, Castleford confirmed they had accepted an offer from Sale, Solomona and Clarke “to pay compensation and to submit to a costs order”.

A statement from the RFL read: “This was a matter of profound importance for sport and Castleford deserve huge credit for their dignity, integrity and tenacity. Their conduct has been exemplary and they have been consistent in their position at all times.”

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood added: “Castleford have been resilient and professional throughout this entire process and the Rugby Football League and other member clubs have always fully supported them in defending a position that we believe is right and just.

“To their further credit, they have not bowed to pressure to ensure the truth of what happened could be fully exposed. They have done the whole of sport a great service.

“It is incredibly regrettable that this situation ever arose and we believe that national governing bodies from all sports and leagues must work together to ensure that clubs and players are protected and contracts are respected by all concerned.”

In their own statement, the Tigers said: “Castleford Tigers believe that the correct decision was made to bring this matter to a conclusion now. It not only means that they are in pocket for a substantial sum of money but the case has clearly proved that it is impermissible for a player to walk out on his contract without suffering a harsh financial penalty.”

Sale did not provide a comment on the settlement when contacted by Omnisport.

Solomona has proven an instant success in the Premiership for Sale and made a spectacular England debut as a replacement last weekend, scoring a stunning solo try in the 79th minute to seal victory over Argentina in Santa Fe.