Leeds make Exiles complaint

Fourie: At centre of row over approach

Leeds have lodged an official complaint after accusing London Irish of making an "illegal approach" for flanker Hendre Fourie.

The Exiles are looking to replace Steffon Armitage and Fourie, who made his England debut earlier this season, would be a logical target.

But Leeds - facing relegation after finishing bottom of the Aviva Premiership - have claimed that Fourie was unsettled while still under contract.

The 31-year-old's current deal ties him to Headingley until the summer of 2012 and Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington has expressed his displeasure at the alleged approach.

"We allege unprofessional conduct in that (player agent) James Adams contacted London Irish and negotiated a lucrative contract for Fourie in the weeks leading up to the end of the league season in full knowledge that the player was under contract," he said.

"Also that London Irish negotiated a lucrative contract with the players' agent and, thereby, unsettling him and inducing him to break his contract with Leeds Carnegie."