Courts order Botha to stay in SA
June 28 2008
South Africa lock Bakkies Botha looks to be staying at the Blue Blues after being denied a European move by the labour court in Johannesburg.
Botha, who is currently on Tri-Nations duty for the Springboks, had signed a new contract with the Bulls back in 2006, only to recently request a move to big-spending Top 14 newcomers Toulon.
But when this transfer request was turned down by SA Rugby and the Bulls, the powerful player took his case to the labour court.
However, Botha's persistence has been unsuccessful and he is expected to serve his remaining three-year deal at Loftus Versfeld.
However, in an ironic twist, national second-row partner Victor Matfield and Francois van Schouwenburg returned to the Bulls over recent weeks from the same French side.
"I heard about this telephonically so I cannot comment on the content of what the court papers say," said a relieved Blue Bulls Chief Executive, Barend van Graan, speaking to the Pretoria News.
And van Graan was hopeful that no damage has been done between the player and the Blue Bulls Company, with Botha able to appeal the judgement.
"We are relieved and I am looking forward to a constructive relationship with Bakkies in the future. I haven't spoken to Bakkies yet," he added.