Denny Solomona makes return to rugby ahead of international switch

Monday, 07 March 2022 at 07:48

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byRugby Rucker

Former England speedster Denny Solomona has signed with New Zealand NPC side North Harbour for the upcoming provincial campaign.

Solomona returned to New Zealand, his nation of birth, earlier this year after eight years of professional rugby union and rugby league in England.

The speedster , who won the last of his England five caps in 2018, has already revealed that he intends to make himself available for Fiji and could play for them with immediate effect.

He has also revealed ambitions to further his career with one of New Zealand’s franchises at Super Rugby level.

“I’ve reached a point in my career where there’s something missing,” Solomona told the NZ Herald. “There’s an itch on my back I haven’t scratched before and that is coming back home.

“The competition is fierce. Everyone who knows rugby knows Super Rugby. It would be awesome to go back and touch base with where I came from and play against the boys I grew up with.”

FIVE ENGLAND PLAYERS WHO CAN SWAP COUNTRIES:

#1. Alex Lozowski (England to Italy)

Age: 28
Position: Fly-half, Centre, Wing, Fullback
Current number of caps: 5
Last cap: November, 2018
Did you know? Lozowski is the son of Rob Lozowski and was a sporting allrounder in his teenage years, playing not only rugby for the Wasps academy but also football for the Chelsea academy

He is reportedly still holding out hope of adding to his five England caps despite no recent soundings from coach Eddie Jones. The Mail Online have reported that Italy have not been in contact with 28-year-old, although we doubt it will be long until they do.

Akihito Yamada of Japan is tackled by Alex Lozowski of England during the Quilter International Match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on 17th November 2018. [Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK]

#2. Matt Kvesic

Age: 29
Position: Back-row
Current number of caps: 4
Last cap: September, 2019
Did you know? Born in Germany to English parents, Kvesic made his senior debut for Worcester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup against the Scarlets on 14 November 2009, becoming the youngest player to represent the Warriors in the professional era

Exeter Chiefs player Matt Kvesic during the warm up before the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs at JW Bell Stadium on March 2nd - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#3. Zach Mercer (England to New Zealand)

Age: 24
Position: Number 8
Current number of caps: 2
Last cap: November, 2018
Did you know? His father is former rugby league footballer and coach Gary Mercer, who played for New Zealand and the New Zealand Māori rugby league team

Zach Mercer of England goes over for a try during the Quilter Cup Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on May 27. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#4. Nathan Hughes (England to Fiji)

Age: 30
Position: Number 8
Current number of caps: 20
Last cap: March, 2019
Did you know? His uncle, Asaeli Hughes, is a former dual international having represented Fiji in both basketball and 15s rugby

Try Celebrations for Nathan Hughes of Bristol Bears of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate on 1 Jan. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#5. Semesa Rokoduguni (England to Fiji)

Age: 34
Position: Winger
Current number of caps: 4
Last cap: November, 2017
Did you know? Rokoduguni is a sniper of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in the British Army