Why Denny Solomona is poised to make history with England switch

The Rugby Football Union may have confirmed that Denny Solomona has this week become the latest player to qualify for England on the three-year residency rule - but behind the scenes the governing body's support for the campaign to extend the qualifying period to five years appears to have been successful.

The issue of amending the controversial qualifying laws is to be voted on at the World Rugby council meeting in May - 17 months after it attracted minimal support when it was last debated.

Agustin Pichot, the World Rugby vice-chairman, made it clear on his appointment last year that he felt three years was too short amid concerns that it was undermining the fabric of the international game and fuelling the player drain from the Pacific Islands.

The RFU openly declared its support for the position in January and several international sources have indicated that Pichot will now get enough backing to get the amendment over the line.

"There is a very good chance of it being adopted," said RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie.

There could yet be a period of grace for those players already serving a qualification period for their adopted country but it is almost certain that if the extension is voted in, it could be in place for the start of next season.

If that is the case then Auckland-born Solomona, who played for the Melbourne Storm, could make history if Eddie Jones decides to pick him for the England tour to Argentina in June as the 23-year-old is likely to be the last to qualify for his adopted country before the laws are amended.

Even if Jones does not pick Solomona, his eligibility will not be affected as his qualification has already been accepted.

The Telegraph, London