Here we go again - another Mostert-style row erupts over Etzebeth's Toulon move

Western Province and Stormers officials are raging over Eben Etzebeth’s protracted move to French Top 14 powerhouse Toulon.

Western Province CEO Paul Zacks said his organisation only found out about the move via the media, reports Sport 24. He’s confirmed that he received a phone call from Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli, after the Johannesburg-based franchise were involved in a long drawn out saga over Franco Mostert’s move to Gloucester Rugby,

Etzebeth’s contract is due to run out at the end of 2019 and Zacks has confirmed that Western Province will be writing to SA Rugby over the issue.

“Obviously he (Straeuli) had his own issue with Franco (Mostert). We are going to be writing a letter to SA Rugby because at the end of the day it’s a tripartite agreement and SA Rugby and Western Province are parties as well as the player to that contract,” Zacks said.

“The fact is that there are contractual commitments in place with the individuals.”

“I’m not sure it’s the player’s fault, to be honest,” he said.

“I suppose the disappointing part is that protocol wasn’t followed.

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Zacks feels that Etzebeth will be the first of many to leave in the coming year.

“In terms of the Springboks and a lot of the players going forward I think we all know that there is always a lot of movement of players post a World Cup to greener pastures, so to speak.

“That is not unexpected, I think it’s just the way we manage the communication is key and following protocol and having respect for the parties.”

Mostert, for his part, will finally make his first start for Gloucester in their Heineken Champions Cup game against Exeter at Kingsholm on Friday.

Watch: Rassie Erasmus won’t stay on as Springboks head coach beyond 2019