Springbok lock Bakkies Botha will be staying at the Blue Bulls after a landmark court ruling in Johannesburg.
Botha, who had signed a contract extension with the Bulls in 2006, had asked to be released to take up a lucrative deal with French Top 14 newcomers Toulon.
But when this request was turned down by the Bulls and SA Rugby, Botha headed to the labour court. This move has now failed too and Botha will have to see out his remaining three years at Loftus Versfeld.
Ironically Victor Matfield, who Botha had hoped to join in Toulon, has returned to South Africa with a new contract with the Blue Bulls.
Blue Bulls chief executive officer Barend van Graan was relieved by the judgment, but also hoped that no damage had been done to relations between the company and Botha.
"I heard about this telephonically so I cannot comment on the content of what the court papers say," he told the Pretoria News. "We are relieved and I am looking forward to a constructive relationship with Bakkies in the future. I haven't spoken to Bakkies yet."
Botha, who is currently preparing with the Springboks ahead of the Tri Nations opener against New Zealand, can appeal the judgement.