Since the inception of the Kings as a Super Rugby franchise when they took to the field for the 2013 season, things have been shrouded in controversy.

Despite a promising first season in Super Rugby, they were relegated in the South African play-off, losing to the Lions 44-42 on aggregate over two legs. Drawn largely from the Eastern Province Kings, the side performed admirably across the season.

It was announced that they would take part in the expanded 18-team competition for 2016, along with the new sides from Japan and Argentina.

However, preparations have been far from ideal. Their return has been beset by financial problems. Players’ salaries have not been paid, and last month the South Africa Rugby Union (SARU) took control of the franchise.

Last week, they announced a plan for the side, announcing a new coach and that there would be a new roster, coming weeks after the South African Rugby Players’ Association (SARPA) spokesperson, Nyaniso Sam, stated that the Kings players were free to sign for other sides.

Preparations are still a far cry from where they should be, and the players remain fully committed to stand up for their rights.

One disgruntled player, who shall remain anonymous, got in touch with Pundit Arena to outline the anger amongst the squad at present.

“The Eastern Province Kings are no more. The plan suggested by the colluding and corrupt SARU and SARPA has excluded the Kings from Super Rugby and terminated all existing contracts. “The proposal to avoid all debt and creditors is to manifest a new team, currently with not one player, to compete in Super Rugby to fill a broadcasting deal, called the Southern Kings. “All Kings players and a staff owed up to four months salary will have no temporary solution to receiving their owed salary. The harsh reality is that players are being evicted, collecting £50 food vouchers per month and there have been marriages divorced. “Several AGMs have been aborted at the last minute, because of the implications of looking into the financial status of the business; namely why the tax for every salary hasn’t been paid for a year, and where that money has gone. “The business and management have ruined not only the careers but the lives of players and staff, and even fans’ opportunity to support a much loved team. “Throughout all this the players and staff have continued working unofficially. Those who can get to the stadium would go about their work. E.g. players doing a pre-season unpaid! “The current board of directors will not step down and admit their responsibility to the complete obliteration of the EP Kings, and still believe that they are the best people moving forward to manage the Southern Kings. Namely Mr. Cheeky Watson [President of the Eastern Province Rugby Union]. They have no care or responsibility to the players or organisation and purely seek their own political agenda.”

This is a downright mess, and the players are not being treated with an ounce of respect, even by SARPA. Thanks to this player for getting in touch with us, and we hope there will be an improvement before the Super Rugby season kicks off.

Brian Barry, Pundit Arena.

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