Sharks won’t appeal four-week Denny ban

SALE Sharks will not appeal Denny Solomona’s fourweek ban for a homophobic slur directed towards Worcester Warriors’ Jamie Shillcock during their Premiership game in March.

Although the club say they are ‘very disappointed’ at the decision by the RFU disciplinary panel towards the England star, they have revealed they won’t be fighting the case.

“The club believes Denny, he is a decent and honest person and maintains that no homophobic words were exchanged,” reads a Sale statement.

“The RFU disciplinary panel decided, on the balance of probability but with absolutely no other evidence, that Denny had said those words based on Jamie Shillcock’s reaction only. They also did not believe that Mr Shillcock had sought out Denny after the game and apologised to him.

“After serious consideration, Sale Sharks have come to the conclusion that there are significant risks as well as legal and financial hurdles in pursuing an appeal.

“As a consequence, Sale Sharks do not believe that it is in the interests of either Denny, the club or the game of rugby union to prolong this sad affair.”

Meanwhile, Sale full-back Mike Haley must appear before an independent disciplinary hearing after being cited for allegedly striking Wasps wing Josh Bassett with his arm in the closing stages of the Sharks’ 28-27 victory on Friday.