The Sports Group of leading City law firm Charles Russell has advised former Springbok star Joel Stransky in today’s successful claim against Bristol Rugby Club.

Mr Stransky, famous for his role in ensuring South Africa became Rugby World Champions in 1995, was yesterday awarded his full compensation claim of £151,000 including interest, plus costs against the club.

At the High Court in London, Mr Justice Eady found that the club was in breach of contract after Mr Stransky had been offered a two-year contract as backs coach for Bristol Rugby Club during a conversation with the then chief executive Nick De Scossa in the Beaujolais restaurant in Bath on April 10 2000. The court found that Mr Stransky claimed they shook hands on the deal, and then Mr Stransky notified Peter Wheeler, CEO at Leicester Tigers where he was a player/coach.

When Mr Stransky visited the Bristol team the day before he was due to start his new job, he discovered through the Press that he was not being offered the job.

Mr Stransky then claimed breach of contract, as a verbal contract is legally binding, and sought compensation for the loss of two years’ earnings – a total of £151,000 including interest.

Mr Stransky gave evidence in person, and Bob Dwyer, former Director of Rugby at Bristol, gave evidence supporting his case via video link from Australia, saying that he negotiated terms of the new job with Mr Stransky.

The case was heard at the High Court in London last month, and the judgment was given yesterday. Mr Justice Eady awarded Mr Stransky full compensation and costs.

Paul Quain of Charles Russell said: ‘We are delighted to have advised Joel Stransky in his successful claim.

‘This is a timely reminder for many people, particularly for those involved with ‘big names’ that a verbal contract is as legally binding as a written contract. You don’t need a piece of paper if you’ve shaken on it.’

Joel Stransky, who now lives in South Africa with his family, said: ‘I’m very grateful to my legal team who have helped me through this difficult situation – almost making it pleasant.’

For further information regarding the Sports Group at Charles Russell, please contact: Caroline Healy – Tel: 020 7203 5113 Email: carolinh@cr-law.co.uk