Lions v Muir: No quick resolution
The Golden Lions Rugby Union is "desperate" for a quick solution to their long-standing dispute with former Springbok assistant coach Dick Muir.
Kevin de Klerk, President of the GLRU, confirmed that they are currently embroiled in a drawn-out court saga with Muir – in a contractual dispute, following his stint as coach and Director of Rugby at the Johannesburg-based franchise.
"There is a difference of opinion about his contract with us and the South African Rugby Union back then," De Klerk told rugby365, when asked about a case that has been before the courts for more than three years already.
Media reports, quoting court documents, said Muir is claiming ZAR4.6m from the GLRU, after his three-year contract was allegedly ended after only one year in 2010.
"This case has been ongoing for more than three years," De Klerk said, adding: "We want to resolve the matter as soon as possible, but he [Muir] has already asked for postponements on two occasions.
"The case is now scheduled for next year.
"It has been a drawn-out process.
"While we want to resolve the matter, we have to follow the processes. We want to resolve it, because it has been going on for too long."
De Klerk told rugby365 that he can't discuss details of the case, but according to the media reports documents submitted to the labour court in Johannesburg, the GLRU denies the claim and said Muir was paid ZAR900,000 too much during his time with the union.
Muir, who helped the Springboks prepare for the 2011 World Cup, was at times absent for as long as a month.
The GLRU claims "wrongful payments" for all those months Muir was absent.
Muir said his agreement with the GLRU was a full-time position with a monthly salary of ZAR200,000 – ZAR2.4m per year.
Muir said his contract with the GLRU was never terminated via a written statement.
The GLRU, in their response in court, said Muir needed written permission from SARU to join them, which he never had.
Therefore, the GLRU claims SARU was supposed to repay them for the months Muir was at the Boks.
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
