Clermont-Auvergne are set to take action against Jaque Fourie following the South Africa centre's apparent U-turn in moving to the French club.

The Golden Lions on Friday released a statement which said they have a "fixed-term contract of employment with Fourie until 31 October 2010" and that they would not be releasing the Springbok, who has been linked with a move to Western Province.

However, Clermont vice-president Jean-Marc Lhermet claims to have a letter signed by Fourie that ties him to their club for the coming season.

"The debate is moving to the legal side, it is going to be sorted out between lawyers," he said, speaking in Monday's edition of L'Equipe.

"By principle, we are going to go as far as possible."

PLANET RUGBY