SOLOMONA ON ‘HOMOPHOBIC SLUR’ CHARGE
DENNY SOLOMONA is at risk of missing England’s summer tour to South Africa after being charged with alleged verbal abuse.
TV microphones picked up Worcester fly-half Jamie Shillcock (right) complaining of homophobic abuse in the 56th minute of Sale’s Premiership win on Saturday.
Shillcock did not identify any player, but told referee Andrew Jackson he had twice been the victim of a “homophobic slur”. A four-day probe by the Rugby Football Union culminated in Solomona being charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union or the game. The cross-code wing will face a disciplinary panel next Thursday. The ban for abusing an opponent about their religion, race, sexual orientation, colour, national or ethnic origin ranges from six to 18 weeks.
England play South Africa in Johannesburg on June 9 in the first of three Tests on successive Saturdays.
One man definitely out is Sam Jones, who has had to retire at 26. The Wasps flanker has not played since damaging his fibula and ankle in a judo session at an England training camp in 2016.