The Brumbies are seeking A$25,000 (R240,000) from former head coach Jake White for walking out on them halfway through his four-year contract.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that White was served papers in Canberra the day before the Sharks played the Brumbies on 10 May.

According to documents lodged in the ACT Magistrates Court, the amount is understood to be the final portion of an estimated A$200,000 (about R1.93-million) White owed the Brumbies after violating a non-compete clause in his contract with them. It is understood the balance of that amount was paid by the Sharks some time in late February or early March.

Under the terms of his agreement with the Canberra-based side, White was prohibited from coaching another Super Rugby side until the end of 2015, but less than a month later he was appointed as the new director of rugby at the Sharks.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images