John McFarland

The Blue Bulls Company Pty (Ltd) and John McFarland are in the process of negotiating his probable return to the Company subject to a few outstanding issues.

The CEO of the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd, Barend van Graan, said that the Bulls would dearly like to have McFarland back on board and they will go out of their way to accommodate him.

"We value John as the best defence coach in the world and his record speaks for itself."

McFarland said that his personal circumstances and family matters have improved to such an extent that he can now hopefully return to the Blue Bulls.

McFarland added that the past eight years with the Bulls have been marvelous and this is the ideal chance to renew their relationship.

"It will be great to be back at Loftus as I have had eight unbelievable years with the Bulls and I would like to rejoin them for the next couple of years.

"Hopefully I can contribute to another successful Super 14 tournament."

Press release from Blue Bulls

The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd is willing to negotiate with the Leicester Tigers regarding the future of the Vodacom Blue Bulls' and Vodacom Bulls' defence coach John McFarland.

The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd confirms that McFarland handed in his resignation on 7 November but he is contracted till the end of 2010. His contract with the Bulls was renewed, on his request, for a further three years in 2007.

The Bulls do not want to lose one of the world's finest defence coaches and they will uphold the validity of the contract if necessary.

With this in mind the Bulls are willing to negotiate with Leicester Tigers, with whom they have a very good business relationship, on the condition that they receive a formal request for McFarland's services.

Until such a request is received McFarland is considered as being employed by the Bulls.