England Rugby
Tomkins plays down cross-code switch
ESPNscrum Staff
October 12, 2011
Sam Tomkins is one of the most sought after properties in rugby league © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Andy Farrell
Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership
Teams: England | Saracens

Wigan fullback Sam Tomkins has committed his immediate future to rugby league despite calls for a cross-code switch.

Tomkins' brother Joel is also a man in-demand and the second rower turned centre asked not to be picked for Steve McNamara's Four Nations squad as he ponders a lucrative offer to join up with former Wigan captain Andy Farrell at Saracens.

"I think he just doesn't want to come in and cause any disruption," Sam said. "He's got some things going on but I don't know where he's up to with them."

Wigan have flatly refused to comment on the speculation over the older Tomkins, who only this year signed a new five-year contract taking him to the end of 2015 but is thought to have been offered £400,000 a year to play for Sarries. The interest from union emerged just three weeks after he joined a London-based management company that also looks after the interests of his former Wigan team-mate and England RU winger Chris Ashton.

Tomkins, 24, is a close friend of Ashton - they were class-mates at school and came through the Warriors ranks together - and has seen how his profile and income have rocketed since he switched codes. Sam, 22, has also joined the same company but confirmed today he has no immediate plans to leave his home-town club.

"In the future it could be something, you never say never," he said. "But for the time being my head is on playing for Wigan and England. Whatever comes down the path, it's something I'd think about if I got the opportunity later on in life. For the time being, I'm focused on playing for Wigan."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices