Willem Alberts and Louis Ludik are still embroiled in a contractual dispute between the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) and the Sharks.

Both players left the Lions late last year and have been training with the Sharks, although Ludik is still recovering from injury.

Like Jaque Fourie whose case needed arbitration, Ludik and Alberts contracts’ with the Lions have technical loopholes.

Allegedly the main loopholes in the contracts are that the players are employed as a “professional analyst” not rugby players, and remuneration amounts for allowances, deductions, match fees and bonuses are not stipulated in their contracts.

Whilst technically it is possibly enough for the players to get out of their contracts, they were certainly happy to receive money for being “professional analysts.” Where is their integrity? If they were happy to recieve money they should have honoured what they signed.

It does show how poor the state of the Lions rugby union was. Their on-field performances and condition were poor, but they weren’t helped by incompetent administrators. Someone should be fired for this, but in all of that agents, players and representatives of the unions should have done better in putting agreements together.

It is pointless trying to blame others. I truly believe most unions will not stand in the way of players moving if things are done in the right manner. No union wants a player who is desperately unhappy to be there. However rather than walk away from an agreement, you need to speak to the appropriate people and show some integrity and honesty. Just as most employers will respect an employee who comes to them openly and honestly.

We now have a situation that is a lose-lose for all involved. Reputations, relationships and money are all on the line. Unfortunately the Jaque Fourie case set a precedent that all further disputes must now follow.

Because the Golden Lions Rugby Union have not provided clearance for these two players, SARU regulations state the players cannot play any level of rugby for the Sharks.

Sharks chief executive Brian van Zyl said “We would like to resolve the matter. I think it’s rather a matter of SA Rugby having to revisit their regulations. It’s disappointing that they do not want to get involved.”

Van Zyl obviously wants Alberts and Ludik playing as the Sharks are paying them salaries.

I would suggest that if the Sharks do play Alberts in their warm-up matches without the necessary clearance, they are facing serious repercussions. Unfortunately this sort of behaviour cannot be condoned and the players should not be allowed to play.

I remember when it was an honour for players to represent their provinces and they played for no money at all. I hate to think all players are greedy and lack the courage to do the right thing. I hope Alberts and Ludik prove me wrong, but I fear that for all their talent, they’ve showed poor sportsmanship on this occasion!