Solomons holds job talks

Alan Solomons has been with Ulster for three seasons

Ulster coach Alan Solomons travelled to England on Thursday to hold talks with officials from Northampton, Leicester and Sale, BBC Sport has learned.

Solomons has been offered a new two-year deal by Ulster but the betting suggests he will quit the province.

He is understood to have told representatives from the three English clubs that he wanted to see their final contract terms by Friday evening.

The South African is scheduled to meet Ulster officials on Monday evening.

Solomons has been strongly linked with Northampton Saints as the club's coach Wayne Smith is expected to return to his native New Zealand.

If Solomons does move to England, he may bring Ulster prop Robbie Kempson with him.

Solomons and Kempson have been close friends since their days together with the Stormers in South Africa.

Kempson had asked for a new two-year contract with Ulster before Christmas but the deal was not completed. His current agreement expires at the end of May 2004.

The South African international is going home to Capetown for his wedding on 20 February, but will return to see out his contract with Ulster.