Toulon threaten Botha with legal action

In the lastest episode in the saga involving Toulon, Bakkies Botha and the Bulls, the French club's president Mourad Boudjellal has said he would take legal action if the Springbok does not report for duty on April 1.

In the latest episode in the saga involving Toulon, Bakkies Botha and the Bulls, the French club's president Mourad Boudjellal has said he would take legal action if the Springbok does not report for duty on April 1.

A press release, published on the French side's website, states Boudjellal's intentions.

“The player has signed a contract and must be in Toulon on 1 April 2008. If he is not present the RCT will instigate legal procedures against the player and the Bulls, ” reads the statement.

This statement is in stark contrast to the last press release emanating from Toulon which stated “[Botha] is not one of our players and never has been. The reports that he has moved to Toulon are completely false.”

At the time, the Bulls Company and SA Rugby had threatened to lodge complaints to the International Rugby Board (IRB) as Botha is still under contract to the Bulls for five years and to SA Rugby for three.

If Botha has indeed signed a deal with Toulon, he risks a lengthy ban from the game and/or a fine.

Botha is set to make his come back from injury for the Bulls on Friday.