PORT ELIZABETH – A 25-man Isuzu Southern Kings playing squad departed for Edinburgh on Wednesday for their first Guinness Pro14 match of 2019.

After a three-week break following their Round 10 encounter with the Italian side, Benetton Treviso, the Isuzu Southern Kings team regrouped on December 27 to begin their preparations for their Round 13 fixture against Edinburgh at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday evening.

"We are happy to be back in action after a good end-year break which came at a good time for the team to recuperate and return rejuvenated for the New Year," coach Deon Davids said.

Following the week’s preparation for the upcoming match, Davids selected a 25-man touring squad which includes hooker Michael Willemse, scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius, who is set to make his debut for the Kings, hooker Alandre van Rooyen and Berton Klaasen – all who are back from injury.

"One of the positives from the break is that we have had the opportunity to get some of our players back from injury," the coach said.