Cape Town - Springbok and Bulls No 8 Pierre Spies is set to stay in Pretoria despite reports indicating he might leave for France.
The supersport.com website on Thursday indicated Spies may leave Pretoria with French Top 14 club Bayonne reportedly making a massive offer for his services over the next three years.
Spies has been negotiating with the Bulls to extend his contract but has been unsuccessful thus far, and with time running out - his contract expires next week - there was some concern that he may be lured by the big offer. He has reportedly been offered close to R15m over three years, with a nett salary of €40 000 per month.
However, according to the Rugby365 website, the report has been described as mere "speculation without any merit".
Spies's agent, Gerrie Swart, told the rugby website that no negotiation has taken place with any other clubs.
"I don't know where the speculation about France comes from," Swart said. "Pierre has certainly not negotiated with any French clubs."
Spies also assured Bulls fans via Twitter that he plans to stay in Pretoria.
"Has someone been negotiating on my behalf? Cause I'm going nowhere..." he tweeted on Thursday.
All indications are that Spies will sign a new contract with the Pretoria-based union by next Friday - likely for three years. The confusion created can be attributed to Springbok contracts also not being finalised for next year.
Spies is currently sidelined for the rest of the year after undergoing hand surgery.
The supersport.com website on Thursday indicated Spies may leave Pretoria with French Top 14 club Bayonne reportedly making a massive offer for his services over the next three years.
Spies has been negotiating with the Bulls to extend his contract but has been unsuccessful thus far, and with time running out - his contract expires next week - there was some concern that he may be lured by the big offer. He has reportedly been offered close to R15m over three years, with a nett salary of €40 000 per month.
However, according to the Rugby365 website, the report has been described as mere "speculation without any merit".
Spies's agent, Gerrie Swart, told the rugby website that no negotiation has taken place with any other clubs.
"I don't know where the speculation about France comes from," Swart said. "Pierre has certainly not negotiated with any French clubs."
Spies also assured Bulls fans via Twitter that he plans to stay in Pretoria.
"Has someone been negotiating on my behalf? Cause I'm going nowhere..." he tweeted on Thursday.
All indications are that Spies will sign a new contract with the Pretoria-based union by next Friday - likely for three years. The confusion created can be attributed to Springbok contracts also not being finalised for next year.
Spies is currently sidelined for the rest of the year after undergoing hand surgery.