World Rugby not interfering with the Franco Mostert saga yet

World Rugby has decided that they will not interfere with the ongoing dispute between the Lions and Gloucester Rugby over the services of Franco Mostert for the time being.

The tug-of-war between Gloucester and the Lions has escalated in recent weeks with the Lions and SA Rugby laying an official complaint to Rugby's governing body requesting that they intervene. 

The second rower signed with Gloucester earlier this year and reported for duty on 1 November as ordered by the club, but the Lions believe there were irregularities involved in the deal and are intent on fighting to retain the services of the 27-year-old.

The Lions are pertinacious in their belief that there are ‘irregularities’ with the contract Mostert signed with Gloucester and said it was negotiated by an agent who has been suspended for three years.

 World Rugby’s Head of Communications, Dominic Rumbles confirmed to Rugby365com that they are aware of the dispute, however, they are not ready to interven, just yet.

“We are aware of a complaint from Golden Lions,” Rumbles told the website.

“However, at this time the complaint remains subject to the ongoing dialogue between the relevant member unions and their clubs.”

At the moment, Gloucester is not in possession of a clearance certificate from the Lions or the South African Rugby Union and with Mostert currently with the Springboks squad until the end of the month, World Rugby will not be required to intervene till December.

Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann expressed his surprise that World Rugby were asked to intervene.

“He had a lot of interest,” Ackermann told Gloucestershire live

“He had offers from all over the world, he selected in our view Gloucester and he’s still part of how we see it going forward when he’s done his position with the Boks.

“We’re surprised at the moment with the outcome with the World Rugby thing but we’re going to still see him as a player who can add value here.”