World Cup-winning Springbok centre Wynand Olivier has ended speculation about his future when he signed a new two-year contract with the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd on Thursday.

Despite speculation of lucrative French offers and interest from other domestic unions like Western Province, Olivier has opted to stay in Pretoria.

He has made it clear that he wanted to stay in South Africa, as he is striving to earn 50 Springbok caps. He has played in 24 Tests.

The coach of the Bulls (Super 14) and Blue Bulls (Currie Cup), Frans Ludeke, is delighted with Olivier’s decision and says the fact that he declined numerous offers from other teams where he could have earned more money says a lot about his character and loyalty.

"Our team is built around experienced individuals and Wynand is without a doubt one of them," Ludeke said.

"His has been phenomenal for us in the Super 14 and he is one of those players who are able to deliver something special when all the odds are against us.

"His defence is superb, on attack he is more than a handful and as one of our main decision makers he has been exceptional. Wynand operates like a world class flanker on defence and the turnovers he forces are extremely valuable for us."

Ludeke added Olivier’s ability to get the Bulls over the advantage line is outstanding and his line-breaks combined with his innovative midfield play have been superb.

"All in all he is a huge asset for the team and to develop such a player takes several years and that is one of the main reasons why I am very grateful that he opted to stay on with the Bulls.

"He is also very keen to help us to develop the younger players in the system and with his professional attitude and unequaled work ethic he will surely add a lot of value to the Bulls in the years to come."

A relaxed Olivier, who has been playing for the Blue Bulls since his schooldays, said on Thursday that he is certain that it was the right thing to do.

"I have made the decision and I am happy with it," Olivier said, adding: "All the structures are in place at Loftus and I want to play for the Bulls."

Meanwhile, the Golden Lions Rugby Union, faced with the possibility of court action from the player, has made it clear they intend holding World Cup-winning Springbok Jaque Fourie to the terms of his 'contract'.

Fourie is prepared to go the legal route to get out of his contract with the Golden Lions, as he strives to join Western Province.

Fourie's lawyer, Frikkie Erasmus, told rugby365 on Thursday that the player is determined to end his seven-year association with the Johannesburg-based team.

On Friday the GLRU reacted by saying that they have a "fixed term" contract of employment with Fourie until 31 October 2010.

"The GLRU is not releasing Jaque Fourie from his contract and is looking forward to his return from the Springbok squad, joining the Lions for the latter part of the Currie Cup season," the GLRU said in a statement.

"Parties to a contract should respect and honour the obligations contained within a contract in order to preserve the principle of contractual stability.

"The GLRU confirms that until today [Friday] they have not received any request from Western Province to enter into negotiations with Jaque Fourie.

"In terms of SARU and the International Rugby Boards (IRB) regulations, it is expressly prohibited to induce or attempt to induce any contract player who has a written agreement with a Union, unless the prior written consent of that Union has been obtained.

"Western Province is therefore inducing a breach of contract.

"The GLRU believes that rugby contracts between Unions and players must be honoured and respected. There should be no tolerance when it comes to contractual breaches, whether by other Unions or the player."

RUGBY365