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Bulls and Tigers in tug-of-war

Monday 17th November 2008

Hot property: John McFarland

The Blue Bulls and the Leicester Tigers are set to lock horns over the services of defence coach John McFarland, who has reportedly been spotted at Leicester training sessions despite still being under contract with the Pretoria-based team.

The South African franchise confirmed on Monday that McFarland handed in his resignation on November 7, but that they are not ready to let him join former Bulls Head Coach Heyneke Meyer in England without proper negotiations.

A statement from the Bulls revealed that McFarland's contract had been renewed, at his request, for a further three years in 2007.

"That means he is contracted by the Bulls till the end of 2010 and the Bulls are not planning to release him - because he is still under contract and he is arguably the world's best defence coach," the statement said.

"McFarland has done remarkable work with the Bulls over the last couple of years and all the senior players as well as the coaches have the highest regard for his expertise, skills and coaching methods.

"However, the Bulls are open to negotiate with Leicester Tigers on the condition that they receive a formal request for his services from the English club.

"The Bulls and Leicester have a very good business relationship and for example they managed to strike a deal over the services of Derick Hougaard earlier this year."

Tigers CEO Peter Wheeler, has previously denied reports that McFarland has joined Leicester's set-up.