World Rugby requested to intervene in Mostert's contractual battle

According to reports in South Africa, the South African Rugby Union has asked World Rugby to intervene with and settle the ongoing contractual dispute between the Lions and Gloucester Rugby about the services of Franco Mostert.

The second rower signed with Gloucester earlier this year and reported for duty on 1 November as ordered by the club, but the Lions believe there were irregularities involved in the deal and are intent on fighting to retain the services of the 27-year-old.

According to Rapport newspaper, the Lions and SA Rugby have now laid a complaint with World Rugby and asked the world governing body to look into Gloucester’s deal with Mostert and rule on the matter.

Mostert was still contracted to the Lions when his agent started negotiating and later agreed to a deal with Gloucester, the player needs a clearance certificate from SA Rugby and the Lions before he can play in England. Without the document, which could cost Gloucester up to R1.9-million, Mostert will not be able to play again.

Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli and SA Rugby declined to comment because the matter has been ruled as sub judice.

This isn't the first time Mostert has had a contractual issue with the player signing with French side Brive before failing to complete the move.