The Sharks have been forced to delay the naming of its team for the first round of the 2010 Super 14 because of a legal dispute over two players.

The availability of loose forward Willem Alberts and fullback Louis Ludik is still unclear after the South African Rugby Union's (SARU) judicial officer said on Wednesday he did not have the authority to make a ruling.

Alberts and Ludik have been involved in the Sharks' pre-season preparations despite claims from rival South African team the Lions that the pair are still contracted to it.

SARU's Koos Basson said he could not rule on the validity of the players' contracts with the Lions.

The Sharks team for its Super 14 opener against the Chiefs was due to be announced on Thursday.

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