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The Stransky court case rears its ugly head again

Scene of intrigue
By Duncan Wood November 14 2002
This story had been quiet for almost a year. Now, it's back with a vengeance. It's reported today that Joel Stransky's case against Bristol will hit the courts soon. Last December, Bristol were covering themselves with an action against Bob Dwyer.
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It was reported in the Daily Mail in early December 2001 that Bristol served Bob Dwyer with a writ when he was in Cardiff helping the Barbarians prepare for their clash with Australia.

This all harks back of course to the summer of 2000 when Joel Stransky was due to join (depending on who you talk to!) Bristol as a backs coach, duly arrived and then departed with his services not seemingly required.

Stransky is taking legal action against Bristol. It is now due to hit the courts shortly according to the press today. Bristol seem to be covering their bases by preparing action against Dwyer should Stransky be successful with his claim.

It's difficult to know the exact facts in the case but I'm sure it will all come out in court. It would appear that Dwyer offered Stransky a position either as backs coach or a player coach position. Bristol claim that they told Dwyer not to do so.

Bristol described the whole affair last December as “very embarrassing” but they felt that the blame sat at Bob Dwyer's door and that they had no choice but to sue for negligence.

“Originally, Bob wanted to employ Stransky as a player-coach. But he could not do that, because Stransky had already claimed for a permanent disability pension payout after finishing his playing career at Leicester through injury."

“Besides, we already had a player-coach in Dean Ryan, so we did not need another one. Stransky’s work permit was running out and the RFU told us that it would not be renewed. We told Bob not to offer Stransky any contract.”

The club then claim that Dwyer acted against these wishes, appointed Stransky and was subsequently suspended before taking up his currrent position with the New South Wales Waratahs.

It's all very messy and, if it reaches court, could turn into a "my word against your word" scenario. It won't do any of the parties involved any favours and the only people to benefit will be the lawyers.

It may not reach court, an out of court settlement is entriely possible. One thing is for certain, however, and that is that relations between Bob Dwyer and Bristol will never be the same again.

According to club officials Dwyer went ahead and appointed Stransky as player-coach, despite protestations from the club. The former Wallaby mentor was then suspended and soon afterwards returned to Australia.

Bristol wants Dwyer to “be accountable” and as a result have taken legal action again him.

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