11/02/2008 22:26

Morris Gilbert

Pretoria - An exodus of top rugby players is the main reason for the Blue Bulls Company's decision not to grant Springbok lock Bakkies Botha's request to be released from his contract.

Botha told his employers last week that he had received an offer from a French second-division club, Toulon. He asked to be released from his contract, which in 2007 was extended by five years.

The tough forward wanted to start playing for Toulon in April.

However, two other Bulls locks, World Cup star Victor Matfield and Francois van Schouwenburg, have already started playing for Toulon. This must have had a major influence on the decision that was announced on Monday.

The Bulls will need Botha in the Super 14 competition that starts this weekend with an away match against the Stormers.

The company's business manager, Ian Schwartz, said on Monday, "We had no choice but to turn down the request. We have invested a lot in Bakkies and his contract was extended by another five years last year.

"If we released him, it would have sent the wrong message to other players - that contracts are not binding - and this could have led to an exodus of talent.

Possibility of divided loyalties

"Contracts are not unilateral agreements. Both the employer and the player have to agree about all the conditions and respect them accordingly. This protects both parties," Schwartz said.

Asked about the possibility of divided loyalties, Schwartz said only time would tell.

However, Botha is such an experienced professional that he will be aware that only his best will enable him to retain his position as the world's top No 2 lineout forward.

The decision will be great news to Bulls coach Frans Ludeke. He can't wait to have the big man back in the pack. An ankle injury kept Botha out of the pre-season warm-up matches.

With Matfield still overseas, a match-fit Botha and Danie Rossouw will lock the Bulls scrum in the Super 14 competition.

Rossouw operated at No 8 when South Africa won the World Cup in France last year but has agreed to move to the lock position for the Super 14.

Ludeke, after consulting team doctor Tommie Smook, has decided not to consider Springboks Akona Ndungane (wing) and Chiliboy Ralepelle (hooker) for the match against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

The Bulls will know only later this week whether Springbok wing Bryan Habana and tighthead prop Rayno Gerber will be available.

Smook said the results of Pierre Spies's blood tests would have no bearing on the timing of his return to contact sessions.

"We are very happy with his progress and expect him to start playing at the end of the month," Smook said.