Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has taken exception to the trash-talking of Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal as Quade Cooper’s contract saga turns nasty.
With Cooper poised to renege on a two-year deal he signed with the French giants in April to instead remain in Australian rugby, Boudjellal is threatening legal action against the playmaker and the ARU.
Boudjellal took aim at Cooper and “a moron of the Australian federation” in an explosive interview with a French newspaper which claimed the eccentric owner had delivered the Wallabies star an ultimatum to undergo a medical with his club or else.
“I don’t think it’s necessary to have that type of language,” Cheika said on the Wallabies’ arrival home from Argentina on Tuesday night.
“(I’m told) he said they’re going to be as broke as Greece.
“Well, I don’t think that’s an issue to be joking about, to be honest. There’s a lot of people struggling over there.
“So I don’t think it’s very funny, saying any of that type of stuff.
“He’s entitled to say what he likes about what he wants to do. That’s fine, but I don’t think those analogies are really necessary.”
Cheika, though, said he understood perfectly well why Boudjellal was digging his heels in to try to nab Cooper.
“Because he’s a really good player,” Cheika said.
“So he’s doing his bit and I’ve got nothing against him fighting for his player.
“That’s his right, just like we want to fight for our players.”
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
What is the legal difference? Do you know what a contract is? A contract requires two consenting parties and consideration. If it has that it's a contract and is binding. If it doesn't (i.e. the consideration is undefined) it's not and it's not binding. It's that simple.
Bakkies
Guest
This all Nasser driven to squeeze more money out of clubs and don't forget it benefits Mundine his biggest client. SBW had signed a four year deal and his value wasn't going to increase greatly under it. The Bulldogs applied an injunction and sent someone over to France to serve the papers over the fence to stop SBW from playing for Toulon which was apparently binding so Toulon abided by that. A settlement was reached and he paid out the Bulldogs than he was allowed to play. Castrogiavanni had to pay out his Leicester contract as they wouldn't release him after he requested to leave. Castro was bitter about it but the clubs were satisfied with the outcome
Bakkies
Guest
Paul there has to be a line drawn in the sand in the legal process as otherwise companies would be breaking overseas contracts left right and centre. If I work for a UK client in Ireland I am bound by UK and Irish laws and regulations which are set by both countries Financial regulators.
Bakkies
Guest
Train I know you love sticking up for the ARU who are no paragon of virtue. Nick has already explained to you the difference in the contract so why the need to ask the same question again
Bakkies
Guest
There are sign on contracts in Australian sport too so France is not unique in that regard. There's a huge difference between that and a contract that the club has to lodge with the league body and union to register the player.
Bakkies
Guest
Guildford needs to be at home he couldn't cope being away from his close ones in France. I know Sydney is closer to home but he has a lot of issues to sort out.
Ralph
Guest
The French legal system is a Civil code and not based on common law at all.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He can sign a contract which would commence when his current ARU contract ends.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Havent really followed rhe story as i dont think cooper, or toulon are worth the fuss but if the inference is that toulon is going to broke... As anyone ... Then good on cheika. These non rugby folk with their wallets trying to buy the game from the SH deserve all they get. No...sympathy... Whatsoever.... A crash in the money stakes is inevitable, because rugby, rather than money, is still king in this sport. Wont be for long, but if Toulon dries up... Break out the wine.
Taylorman
Guest
Yes he will and it adds some genuine rather than inherited NZ interest as well. I like Zac's enthusiasm and he's a real creator of opportunity, rather typical of the Tahs backs, where he'll pop up from anywhere to take the through ball. Good buy.
Larry_Parallelogram
Guest
Thank god Zac Gilford can drink.....he'll need it in Sydnet to [snip. inappropriate comment. WARNING]
Tyrian
Guest
I thought QC was still under contract to the ARU at least until after the WC ends. So how can he be contracted to Toulon before that contract ends. Perhaps the ARU contract can be extended so that it negates whatever future arrangements Toulon might think it has?
Jerry
Guest
Haha, I hear Toulon are interested in signing Stephen Donald! There you go, no hope of any damages now, they've got a bona fide RWC winning 10 instead. I didn't even know he was still playing.
Not Bothered
Guest
Cheika has never used the word "mor0n"! Well, not with out a few f-words in front of it anyway.
Jokerman
Guest
Broke as Greece oh so offensive!! Is Cheika trying to be PC? With a bit of OTT? He's good entertainment though, can't wait til the pressure comes on and he starts to freak out. Two All Black losses should tip the balance.
Jerry
Guest
Yeah, even if they were to prove the ARU were at fault it's difficult to see how they've really lost anything. It's not like Cooper's signed with a direct competitor or anything.
ben
Guest
"I dont think its necessary to have that type of language"... bit ironic cheika commenting on someone elses type of language.
Zero Gain
Guest
Foreign judgments are enforceable as Jerry says if we have a reciprocal agreement with a particular country. From memory I think France is included. The problem is probably not enforcing a judgement, the problem is obtaining a judgement worth anything. In contract law you can generally only recover what you have lost.
Zero Gain
Guest
How is it costing either of them anything?
Zero Gain
Guest
Nah, nothing to do with them. They wouldn't have any power whatsoever to act in that way. It is a civil dispute.