Vodacom Super Rugby
Bulls deny Steyn departure
2011-05-17 18:32
Brenden Nel - SuperSportJohannesburg - Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn is going nowhere - and that's official!
Both Steyn and the Blue Bulls Company confirmed to SuperSport.com that there is "absolutely no truth" in reports from the United Kingdom that Steyn has agreed to move to Bath as Butch James' replacement after the World Cup.
Stories in the English press Tuesday linked Steyn with the English club, saying he had secretly agreed a deal and was set to put pen to paper soon.
The Blue Bulls Company however, denied anything of the sort, and indicated they would reject any offer made for Steyn to be released early from his contract.
"Morne has been contracted by the Blue Bulls until the end of 2013 and there is no way we would agree to any release before that date," Blue Bulls High Performance Manager Ian Schwartz told SuperSport.com.
"Morne is a priority player for both the Blue Bulls and for the Springboks and is seen as part of our future here at Loftus Versfeld. We have also received no request to negotiate with him and if we did, we would not entertain any such request."
Steyn confirmed as well that he had "spoken to nobody, nor received any offers".
"I'm happy at the Bulls, and am not looking elsewhere," he told SuperSport.com
He then posted on Twitter to confirm the fact as well.
"Hear things that I am going to Bath. Want to let people know that I have spoken to nobody, I am still at the Bulls until 2013! God Bless..." Steyn tweeted.
Bath have been searching for a replacement for James, with former Bok Derick Hougaard and All Black Dan Carter already being linked to the club.