Jaque Fourie is free to join Western Province after an independent arbitrator ruled that his contract with the Lions is not binding.
Springboks centre not tied to Lions deal
Jaque Fourie is free to join Western Province after an independent arbitrator ruled that his contract with the Golden Lions is not binding, his lawyer has confirmed.
The Lions insisted the Springboks centre was tied to a deal until October next year but Fourie disputed those claims.
After weeks of hearings Fourie has now been told he is free to complete a move to Cape Town.
"In terms of the Arbitration Act, we cannot disclose the contents of his findings but I can confirm that the ruling is that Jaque is not bound by any contract with the GLRU (Golden Lions Rugby Union) for the 2010 season," Frikkie Erasmus told the Times newspaper.
"As from November 1, he can now negotiate and conclude any agreement with whomever he wants. But Jaque is anxious to join WP.
"Jaque is relieved because he wants to build his future and as long as this arbitration went on, it was not giving comfort to anyone."
According to reports, Western Province have already offered a contract to the 26-year-old, which will be finalised in the next few days.
If the deal does go through, Fourie would become the second high-profile Springbok player to move to Newlands, joining winger Bryan Habana, who signed from the Bulls.
