14/02/2008 22:01

Hennie Brandt

Johannesburg - The Stormers may be docked log points if they play tighthead prop Brian Mujati in the Super 14 rugby match against the Bulls in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Golden Lions Rugby Union and the University of Johannesburg have not signed documents to release Mujati to play for the Stormers and Western Province.

The former Zimbabwean made his debut for the Lions while he was a student at the university. His has signed a contract with the Golden Lions (GLRU), which has the end of October this year as the expiry date.

Last year, Western Province officials allegedly negotiated with Mujati behind the back of the Golden Lions, who then lodged an objection with SA Rugby.

The GLRU named Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus and Mujati's agent, Jason Smith, in their objection.

The Golden Lions maintain that Mujati had a valid contract with them. However, Smith said it was invalid because the player did not have a work permit to turn out for the Lions in Currie Cup and Super 14 matches.

Manie Reynecke, chief executive of the Golden Lions, said on Thursday he had received nothing in writing from Western Province concerning Mujati.

Arbitrator appointed

"We have not signed a release for him to play for the Stormers. The same applies at his club, where outstanding study and accommodation fees still have to be paid

"He may not play for the Stormers against the Bulls. There could be complications if he does before we and his club have signed release documents," Reynecke said.

SA Rugby has appointed a member of its judicial committee, Adv Jannie Lubbe, as arbitrator. He is expected to make a ruling.

Even if Lubbe finds that Mujati's contract with Golden Lions is not binding it is unlikely that the prop will be permitted to play against the Bulls.

The University of Johannesburg won't sign his release until all fees have been paid, and only then will the Golden Lions release him.

The Lions received some good news this week when it was announced that lock forward Willem Stoltz would be available to play Super 14 rugby.

Stoltz recently returned from France after being released from his contract with Agen.

It was initially thought he would be available only for Currie Cup rugby because the Lions had signed other lock forwards for the Super 14 and there were budgetary constraints.

However, the Lions and the tough forward have reached an agreement whereby he will be paid match fees for playing Super 14 rugby.

Stoltz has started training with the Lions squad, but was not included in the 22 for the match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.