EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS
BILL LOTHIAN ([email protected])
SCOTTISH Rugby bosses are again facing the prospect of becoming embroiled in litigation as Australian representatives of Edinburgh signing Stephen Larkham gear up for a court battle.

The SRU have stated they will be communicating with the 101-cap Wallaby as a consequence of club ownership transferring back into central control with a re-negotiation of the contract agreed with the previous regime expected to be the main thrust of the talks.

But Larkham's agent, Jason Macarthur, claims to have heard nothing.

"Our UK legal firm, Lewis Silkin, is aware of the situation but there's little we can do until we hear something from somebody," said Macarthur.

He added: "The ball is really in the SRU's court to inform Steve of what their intentions are in relation to his contract.

"Nobody has come to us from the club. The situation is simple; Stephen has a two-year contract he will at this stage honour at Edinburgh on the initial deal we signed.

"If there are any changes to that which act in any way as a negative to Stephen, then we will look into potential action."

In making it clear Edinburgh is their first choice under the terms originally agreed, the Larkham camp are attempting to distance themselves from claims the stand-off could go elsewhere in a situation made more complicated by the proximity to the new season -something that is bound to be at the core of any court case.

"Do I suspect there are other opportunities immediately post the World Cup for Steve? I'd think not. Clubs have finalised their recruitment, spent their money, and registration is no longer open anyway so it would be tough," said Macarthur, distancing the player from speculation linking him with Toulouse and Newport Gwent Dragons.

According to today's Sydney Daily Telegraph Larkham's agent has been trying to contact the SRU "for the past three days."

It quotes Macarthur, saying: "He stood by this club and has been committed to it 100 per cent since May. The club has been using Steve as their pin-up boy and had him all over their website in an Edinburgh jumper."

This article was posted on 16-Aug-2007, 13:09 by Hugh Barrow.