Leeds Rugby Ltd v Harris & Anor [2005] EWHC 1591 (QB) (20 July 2005)

Leeds Rugby Ltd v Harris & Anor [2005] EWHC 1591 (QB) (20 July 2005)

Clause 5 of the Release Contract is not void for uncertainty, lack of consideration, or as an unreasonable restraint of trade. The remuneration term is sufficiently certain, consideration is provided by Leeds' agreement to release Mr Harris, and the restraint is reasonable in the interests of both parties given the unique circumstances of the interlocking agreements and Mr Harris's desire to play for Wales.

Citation
[2005] EWHC 1591
Parties
Claimant: Leeds Rugby Limited; First Defendant: Iestyn Harris; Second Defendant: Bradford Bulls Holdings Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
20 July 2005
Procedural Posture
Civil Contract/employment / Trial of Preliminary Issues
Outcome
All preliminary issues answered in the negative; clauses 5 and 6 are not void for uncertainty, lack of consideration, or as a restraint of trade.
Legal Topics
Restraint of Trade, Consideration, Uncertainty in Contract Terms, Inducement of Breach of Contract
Contract Law Employment Law Sports Law Restraint of Trade Consideration Uncertainty in Contract Terms Inducement of Breach of Contract

Case Brief

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Parties

Leeds Rugby Limited

Claimant

Iestyn Harris

First Defendant

Bradford Bulls Holdings Limited

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Contract/employment / Trial of Preliminary Issues

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether clause 5 and/or 6 of the agreement dated 9 August 2001 are void as being in restraint of trade
  2. 2 Whether clause 5 and/or 6 of the agreement are void on the grounds of lack of consideration
  3. 3 Whether clause 5 of the agreement is void for uncertainty

Ratio Decidendi

Clause 5 of the Release Contract is not void for uncertainty, lack of consideration, or as an unreasonable restraint of trade. The remuneration term is sufficiently certain, consideration is provided by Leeds' agreement to release Mr Harris, and the restraint is reasonable in the interests of both parties given the unique circumstances of the interlocking agreements and Mr Harris's desire to play for Wales.

Court Disposition

All preliminary issues answered in the negative; clauses 5 and 6 are not void for uncertainty, lack of consideration, or as a restraint of trade.