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Wales wing Jonah Holmes destined for English Championship
By Steffan Thomas
Wales wing Jonah Holmes is on the verge of joining Ealing Trailfinders after turning down a contract from the Welsh Rugby Union.
The former Leicester speedster was keen to stay with the Dragons but was unhappy with the salary offered by the governing body.
In Wales, the salary of the elite 38 home-based players is set by the WRU under their wage banding system with the union paying 80 per cent of their contract.
Holmes originally appealed against the figure he was offered with support from the Dragons but was dismissed by the WRU and has consequently decided to end his international career by moving back to England. The 29-year-old made his Wales debut under former coach Warren Gatland in 2018, going on to win seven caps before falling out of favour with head coach Wayne Pivac, who took over the national side following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
With the WRU operating a 60-cap selection rule, Holmes will become ineligible for Wales selection and has been replaced at the Dragons by Highlanders utility-back Patelesio Tomkinson.
Holmes was hoping to return to the Gallagher Premiership where he has previously represented both Wasps and Leicester but he has found it difficult to find a club with the salary cap having dropped to £5m. RugbyPass understands Holmes is very close to signing for ambitious Championship outfit Ealing.
Holmes’ decision to drop to the second tier of English rugby will raise a few eyebrows especially after Ealing were rejected for promotion to the Premiership despite finishing top of the Championship.
The Trailfinders failed to meet the minimum standard criteria required for promotion but their ambitious owner, Mike Gooley, remains hopeful they will play in the top flight sometime in the near future, and the signing of international wing Holmes will be seen as a serious statement of intent.
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Latest Comments
So you don’t think 2023 WC to 2027 WC with a few RCs and >80% rate along the way would stack up? Three world cups in a row?
We finished 2023 with 85% and a World Cup. On track for 80% in 2024 plus an RC.
Rassie’s the only guy who has any hope of getting close to that AB record.
What was Henry’s record up until 2011? Everyone knows how great the ABs were between 2007 and 2015. But there was a period of building that got them there that seems to get overlooked.
Rassie and Nienaber took a 7th ranked team to number one. Henry inherited the All Blacks. Much easier job.
Go to commentsWatch volley ball if you want a speed game. Part of the appeal of rugby is set plays. Stopping the clock while the ball is in touch is the only change needed. I am from Victoria, having escaped the trauma of living in Brisbane amongst you nuff nuffs!
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