Valley coach Ian Brownlee has accused his counterpart at DeA, Gary Cross, of poaching players and has called into question the 'rampant commercialism' prevalent in the territory's First Division.
Angered over the 'defection' of the league champions' star winger Mark Solomon, Brownlee yesterday branded Cross as a 'super commercial rugby poacher'.
Among the other Hong Kong internationals who have joined new First Division side DeA are Rob Grindlay (from Kowloon) and Grant Jamieson (Football Club), although the latter's move is still unconfirmed.
'The first I knew of Solomon leaving Valley and joining DeA was when I read it in the paper today. This is a sound example of commercialism run riot,' said Brownlee.
'Cross is a poacher.' Yesterday's Sports Post revealed that Hong Kong winger Solomon would join DeA this season.
Cross said that Solomon had been 'exchanged in a trade-off' with former Police backrower and Hong Kong international John Dingley who has joined Valley.