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Toulon wait for Bakkies
28/03/2008 22:22 - (SA)
Marseille - The ambitious French second division side Toulon on Friday took a step closer to hopefully finalise a deal to bring Springbok World Cup lock Bakkies Botha to France.
Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal said that a contract, signed by the Springboks star, had been sent to the national league.
They are now waiting for the go-ahead from the South African rugby federation.
"The contract, signed by the player, has been sent to the league," Boudjellal said.
"We are in touch with the player virtually day-by-day. Now we are waiting for a release letter from the South African federation, but the desire of the player is clear."
The duration of the deal is for three months, to cover the rest of the season, and the next two years with an option for an extra year.
Threatened legal action
Bulls star Botha, 28, had been expected to join the French second division side at the end of February, but his arrival was postponed because the South African federation was reluctant to see too many of their players featuring for foreign clubs.
Boudjellal responded at the beginning of March by threatening legal action if Botha wasn't in Toulon by April 1.
If the deal finally goes through, Botha would join his World Cup-winning teammate Victor Matfield who has been one of the stars of the season for the French side.
Toulon are on course for promotion to the French Top 14 championship and have a seven-point lead over Mont-de-Marsan.
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Rugby
