>> Eastmond says No to France
■WORCESTER Warriors boss Alan Solomons is looking to use his South African contacts to get some new players into Sixways.
Blindside understands that the Warriors want to strengthen their front row resources and have been looking in Solomons’ homeland.
He has been speaking to a couple of players he previously worked with, sounding them out to gauge interest of a move to the Premiership. KYLE EASTMOND has turned down a move to France next season where Toulouse were keen to sign him. Blindside sources say Eastmond, who is out of contract with Wasps at the end of the season, is looking to remain in this country. Wasps signed the former cross code international from Bath in July 2016 but he has been hit by injuries so has made only 21 appearances for the club. The centre has been a target for Toulouse since the start of the season. They are losing French international centre Gaël Fickou to Racing 92, Yann David to Castres and Florian Fritz is retiring at the end of the season. Eastmond has long been linked with Sale Sharks. That would allow him to return to his native Manchester, but it’s not known if he features in Steve Diamond’s recruiting plans. ■ Wasps flanker James Haskell is weighing up his options. He is keen to play at the 2019 World Cup in Japan and Blindside understands that if he signs on at a foreign club for only one season it won’t harm his chances. England will be in camp for the summer of 2019, so Haskell would not need to have a club side if he returned by then. England prop Kieran Brookes looks set to reject a switch to Wasps to stay at Northampton Saints. Brooks is out of contract at the end of the season. Wasps are keen on Toulon’s South African international prop Marcel van der Merwe but will face competition from his current employers as well as Montpellier. ■NEWCASTLE FALCONS are set for a major boost with Samoan winger Sinoti Sinoti set to stay with the club next season.
The player, who according to Falcons fans is so good they named him twice, has been in high demand from both the Premiership and France.
Sinoti, 32, has spent the last five years at the Falcons after leaving Wellington in New Zealand.
Run-away Championship leaders Bristol were keen on him as were Gloucester, while Bath and Northampton Saints also had a long look.