The Golden Lions Rugby Union, faced with the possibility of court action from the player, has made it clear they intend holding World Cup-winning Springbok Jaque Fourie to the terms of his 'contract'.

As we reported earlier, Fourie is prepared to go the legal route to get out of his contract with the Golden Lions, as he strives to join Western Province.

Fourie's lawyer, Frikkie Erasmus, told us on Thursday that the player is determined to end his seven-year association with the Johannesburg-based team.

On Friday the GLRU reacted by saying that they have a "fixed term" contract of employment with Fourie until 31 October 2010.

"The GLRU is not releasing Jaque Fourie from his contract and is looking forward to his return from the Springbok squad, joining the Lions for the latter part of the Currie Cup season," the GLRU said in a statement.

"Parties to a contract should respect and honour the obligations contained within a contract in order to preserve the principle of contractual stability.

"The GLRU confirms that until today [Friday] they have not received any request from Western Province to enter into negotiations with Jaque Fourie.

"In terms of Saru and the International Rugby Boards (IRB) regulations, it is expressly prohibited to induce or attempt to induce any contract player who has a written agreement with a Union, unless the prior written consent of that Union has been obtained.

"Western Province is therefore inducing a breach of contract.

"The GLRU believes that rugby contracts between Unions and players must be honoured and respected. There should be no tolerance when it comes to contractual breaches, whether by other Unions or the player."