Canterbury Bulldogs seek legal action to stop international Sonny Bill Williams fleeing to France.
Canterbury seek legal action to stop Williams leaving
Australian rugby league club Canterbury Bulldogs are seeking legal action to stop international back-rower Sonny Bill Williams fleeing to French Second Division champions Toulon.
The New Zealand international has caused a stir across Australia's National Rugby League after walking out on his five-year contract last weekend.
Canterbury, with the NRL's support, are attempting to legally enforce the 22-year-old's contract and prevent a feared mass exit of the game's elite stars to wealthy European clubs.
The president of France's Ligue Nationale de Rugby, Serge Blanco, has urged Williams to finish his season in Australia before moving to Europe, saying it was important players honoured their contracts.
Blanco said: "In my view, he should finish his season with his club in Australia and then come to France.
"I find it funny and bizarre that a player would break his contract in the middle of the season to go somewhere else.
"There is a rule in the French competition that a player can finish his season in Australia and then come to France midway through the season."
Intervention
NRL chief executive David Gallop has sought direct intervention from European rugby authorities to force Williams to return to Australia.
The International Rugby Board's head of communications Greg Thomas said the matter was the concern of the Federation Francaise de Rugby, and not the game's ruling body.
Thomas said: "At a basic level, we don't believe anybody should break their contract.
"We have heard from David [Gallop] about this matter, but it is really something for the French authorities."
Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal has insisted Williams is yet to sign with the club, although international reports claim the back-rower signed with Toulon early last month.
Blanco added: "I have received no official demand from the Toulon club. I am waiting to see what will happen."
