Welsh halfback Mike Phillips has announced plans to take legal action against Bayonne after confirming he has had his contract terminated by the French rugby club.
The 31-year-old intends to issue proceedings against the Top 14 side, who are yet to officially confirm his dismissal for allegedly turning up drunk to a video analysis session on October 11.
Bayonne chairman Alain Afflelou on Monday morning described Phillips’ alleged behaviour as “treason” in an interview with Sud Ouest.
In a statement, Phillips said: “I am extremely disappointed and frustrated by the decision taken by Aviron Bayonnais Rugby Club to terminate my employment.
“I was also disappointed by the fact that I officially heard about my dismissal through an interview given in a French newspaper this morning.
“As a result of discussions with my legal team in France, I have now instructed them to issue proceedings … through the French judicial system.”
Phillips was accused of being intoxicated the morning after Bayonne defeated Grenoble 37-6 in the Amlin Challenge Cup.
Phillips sat out Friday’s 24-19 victory over Montpellier.
The two-time British and Irish Lions tourist said: “I wish to thank my teammates and the many friends I have made in the Basque Country for their help and kindness over the past two seasons.
“I will now wholeheartedly concentrate all my energy and efforts on training with Wales and try to earn a place in the match day squad to help Wales have a successful Autumn campaign against South Africa, Australia, Argentina and Tonga.”
Afflelou claimed if the club had not sacked Phillips, he would have stepped down and he did not expect to have to pay the player any compensation.
He told Sud Ouest: “It was him or me. I could not have stayed in a club with such disagreement.”
“From the moment he let us down, his friends, coaches and fans, it was not possible to keep him.
“However, I had great respect and affection for the boy, very respectful, and the player. I had already kept him on a year ago against everyone’s advice.
“This summer, I even invited him to my house to offer him a contract extension of two years.
“I trusted him. This is treason.”
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