Hendre Fourie has turned down a new contract offer from Leeds © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Wasps snap up Wentzel

News: Leeds release Wentzel

News: Sharks snap up Mathie

Players/Officials: Hendre Fourie

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: Leeds Tykes

Leeds flanker Hendre Fourie has been given permission to speak with other clubs after he rejected the offer of a new three-year contract with the club.

The 31-year-old England international is contract to Leeds for next season. But following Leeds' relegation to the Championship was confirmed following Worcester's promotion to the Aviva Premiership this week and his rejection of a new contract, the club will allow him to seek a deal with another club.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington revealed last week the club had lodged an official complaint with Premiership Rugby alleging unprofessional conduct by player agent James Adams and London Irish surrounding a possible move by Fourie to the Madejski Stadium.

"Hendre has always been a tremendous servant to the club and I have no doubt that he would honour his contract with the club if he was to remain at Headingley Carnegie," Hetherington said.

"However, it is only fair to offer him the chance to speak to other clubs given his outstanding contribution to the club over the years. We have made no secret of the fact that we would like him to remain at the club to help us return to the Aviva Premiership and have offered him a new long term contract. However, we will now wait to see the outcome of Hendre's discussions before we begin negotiations on a transfer fee if necessary."

The former Rotherham Titans backrower, who joined Leeds in 2007, is certain to attract interest from a host of Aviva Premiership clubs following another strong season for Leeds. He made his England debut last autumn and looks set to fight it out for a place in England's World Cup squad having won eight caps in the past six months.