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Cape Town - The Western Province Rugby Union is reportedly at loggerheads with Dillyn Leyds’ agent over the Springbok utility back's future.
According to Netwerk24, player agent Hilton Houghton is furious at the Cape union for refusing to release his client during this year’s Currie Cup to play in Japan.
The Canon Eagles, who are coached by former Springboks and Stormers mentor Allister Coetzee, are believed to be interested in acquiring the services of Leyds.
The idea was for Leyds, who has a contact with WP until 2019, to return from Japan in time for next year’s Super Rugby tournament.
But WP Rugby wants Leyds for the Currie Cup and has refused to release him.
“I’m not shocked at what’s happening at WP when it comes to player welfare. That’s why so many young players leave WP for greener pastures,” an upset Houghton told the Afrikaans website.
The agent added that Leyds had been a “loyal servant of WP” who deserved a chance in Japan.
The 25-year-old Leyds, who can play wing, fullback and flyhalf, played nine Tests for the Springboks in 2017.
However, he does not appear to be in new Bok coach Rassie Erasmus’ plans and a move to Japan would have provided a significant financial boost.
Houghton said they would have been willing to negotiate a contract extension for Leyds until 2021 if WP Rugby was willing to release him for the Currie Cup season.
WP Rugby’s CEO Paul Zacks however hit back at Houghton.
According to Zacks, Houghton came to see him at 15:00 on the same day he wanted Leyds to be released.
“That’s not how we do things at WP. We work on a consultation basis with the head coaches and director of rugby. The coaches are measured according to their performances and it’s my job to give them all that is needed to achieve success. Dillyn is a senior leader in the our group and a key player for the Currie Cup. We want to keep the Currie Cup in the Cape.”
