The Bulls have lodged a formal complaint with World Rugby over the conduct of the RFU in its pursuit of John Mitchell.

The Blue Bulls Rugby Union submitted its grievance through SA Rugby after it came to light that the RFU had approached Mitchell directly in June.

Mitchell is contracted to the Bulls until the end of October 2019, but the RFU wanted him to report for duty as one of Eddie Jones’ assistant coaches early in September.

According to The Times of London, World Rugby does not intend to take any action against the RFU because the regulation which covers contracts applies to players only.

The newspaper claims the RFU tabled an initial compensation offer of £50,000 (R984,000) and the Bulls responded with a demand for £500,000 (R9.8-million). The Bulls would probably accept a fee of about £250,000 (R4.9-million).

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images