Legal proceedings by the director of rugby with Young Munster Rugby Football Club challenging the proposed termination, from yesterday, of his employment have been adjourned for a week.
At the High Court on Friday, Mr Justice Smyth granted Mr Roderick Horan, for Mr Rowly Williams, Fitzhaven Square, Limerick, leave to bring proceedings against the executive committee of the club. The judge also granted an interim injunction restraining the club from terminating Mr Williams's appointment before then. When the case was mentioned yesterday, the judge agreed to adjourn it for a further week with the interim injunction continuing to July 7th.
Mr Williams (42), whose wife and children reside in England, took up his position in August 2002 and said he was given to believe that he was being interviewed for a minimum of a three year appointment. However, on May 22nd last, he was told by club officials at a meeting that the club was "going to have to release me" and he would be paid until the end of June 2003.
He was assured the decision was not performance-related but was due to the club's financial position.
His solicitors had written to the club stating the proposal to terminate his contract was unlawful but no response was received.