1
Kiwis and Storm star set for shock switch to rugby union
By Sam Smith
Melbourne Storm and Kiwis prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona will make a surprise switch from rugby league to union, according to a report out of Australia.
Asofa-Solomona, who is currently contracted to the Storm but is unable to be involved with the team due to his vaccination status, is set to sign with Robbie Deans' Saitama Wild Knights for the 2023 League One season but could end up playing in the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season for an Australian side.
Fox Sports has reported that Rugby Australia are keeping an eye on the 25-year-old but that the organisation wouldn't be willing to break the bank to keep the prop in the country, due to the relative talent Australia already boasts in the loose forwards.
Asofa-Solomona's unvaccinated status, however, would likely cause problems throughout Super Rugby Pacific, given the relatively stringent travel conditions that will inevitably exist for any players looking to move between states and countries.
Asofa-Solomona attended Wellington College in New Zealand's capital and was signed by Melbourne Storm as just a 15-year-old. He debuted for the Storm in 2015 and has since accumulated 141 appearances for the NRL's most successful team of the modern era as well as two Premierships. The New Zealander also made a handful of appearances to the NZ national side.
Fox Sports also reported that the Wild Knights attempted to lure Wallabies superstar Taniela Tupou to Japan but were unsuccessful in their approaches.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Borthwick, it's time to own up – Andy Goode
5
Latest Comments
What’s the bet that if Ireland lose we’ll have a bunch of people blaming Rob Kearney for it?
This might pizz the All Blacks off but it won’t make George Bell throw the ball any straighter or Rieko pass the ball to his wings more often.
Go to commentsNot if you look at where the increases are happening for NZR. Apparently the biggest increase in participation was in the junior ranks and has been attributed to the extra cash that tier has received from the private equity deal NZR signed. Clubs are reducing fees dramatically and thats bringing more into the clubs. Counties club had a 200% increase in enrollments for U7s as they made it free.
Yes NRL is always hanging around schoolboy rugby tho. I see the NRL as more of a threat at SR level where the fringe players are signing for either NRL or Japan etc.
Go to comments