World Cup-winning Springbok Jaque Fourie's search for greener pastures has seemingly landed him in trouble, as the Bok midfielder is facing legal action on two fronts.

However, Fourie's lawyer, Frikkie Erasmus, remains adamant that his client is effectively a 'free agent' and will ultimately be able to depart from the Golden Lions after the Tri-Nations.

Following our report last week that Fourie is prepared to go as far as taking legal action to get "clearance" from the Golden Lions Rugby Union, it was revealed on Monday that French club Clermont could also take action against the player over an 'agreement' they believe they have with him.

It initially seemed like a straight tug-of-war between Western Province and the Lions for Fourie's services, after the GLRU said they have a "fixed term" contract of employment with Fourie until 31 October 2010.

However, on Monday Clermont claimed they also have a "letter signed by Fourie" that ties him to their club for the coming season.

Clermont vice-president Jean-Marc Lhermet told Monday's edition of French daily newspaper L'Equipe: "The debate is moving to the legal side, it is going to be sorted out between lawyers.

"By principle, we are going to go as far as possible."

But the player's lawyer, Erasmus, dismissed both claims.

"Yes, we have heard of the [Clermont] claims," Erasmus told us.

"However, we have had nothing in writing from the club and the letter they are referring to has no substance," Erasmus said, adding that while the French club made Fourie an offer it was "not a binding document".

Erasmus again confirmed that they are prepared to go all the way to court, should the GLRU remain stubborn and refuse to sign Fourie's release.

"We have requested a release and have heard nothing from the GLRU yet," Erasmus told this website, adding: "We will be taking it to the next level, through the South African Rugby Union dispute process, later this week."

Erasmus also explained why Fourie needs 'clearance' from the GLRU if he does not have a binding contract with them.

"Any team [province or club] needs to give clearance if a player moves on, because while he is with them they are responsible for medical expenses, etc. However, this does not mean there is a contract in place, it is because he is playing for them."

365

RSS
Digg
de.li.cious
facebook
LATEST FEATURES
Stop hooliganism now! iafrica.com’s Khaya Ndubane says the PSL must start cracking down on local soccer hooligans.
Boxing clever iafrica.com's Rob Peters is preparing for his debut boxing bout! Follow his progress HERE! [Video]
Adios, Senor Pablo Dan Nicholl mourns the loss of a friend whose life was cut tragically short last week.