Stransky awarded over 235,000
Stransky, whose extra-time drop goal enabled South Africa to beat New Zealand in the 1995 World Cup final, has been awarded over 235,000 by a High Court judge following breach of a contract of employment for a coaching post.
Mr Justice Eady, sitting in London, awarded the sum which included damages and interest to Stransky, against defendants Bristol Rugby Limited.
Bristol were also landed with a costs bill, unofficially estimated at around 310,000 although the figure to be paid has yet to be assessed. "We are flabbergasted by the decision", said millionaire Pearce, who is club owner, chairman and chief executive. "We will now consider our options."
Stransky, a former fly-half at Leicester and a member of the Tigers' coaching staff, was not in court for the ruling.
The judge said that he claimed damages against Bristol Rugby Limited for the alleged repudiatory breach of a contract of employment, said to have been entered into on April 10, 2000, in a Bath restaurant called Le Beaujolais.
"The defendant denies the existence of any such contract," he added. However, the judge said that he found
that there was a contract concluded
on April 10, and that acts by the defendant on June 26 and June 27 had constituted a repudiatory breach.
Mr Justice Eady said he had concluded "in the light of all the evidence, that a deal was done on April 10".
Stransky said later in a statement: "I am very grateful to my legal team who have helped me through this difficult situation almost making it pleasant.
"I am now considering options for my future career."
His lawyer, Paul Quain of Charles Russell Solicitors, said: "We are delighted to have advised Joel Stransky in this successful claim.
"It is a timely reminder for many people, particularly 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 have shaken on it."
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