Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has reportedly shown an interest in buying South Africa's latest Super Rugby franchise the Kings.

The news was first reported in South Africa by newspaper Son op Sondag this weekend.

The Kings have been strapped for cash for some time, struggling to pay their players and facing possible action from the SA Rugby Players' Association.

Boudjellal reportedly wants to re-name the franchise as the 'Mandela Kings' and made other potentially difficult demands in his offer, according to current EP Kings president Cheeky Watson.

“[Boudjellal] wanted two Springbok tests a year, one to be played in Nelson Mandela Bay and one in Toulon,” Watson said.

“There is no way to get two Bok tests. I had to beg to get just one [next year when Ireland face South Africa on June 25].

“Further he wants SA Rugby to take over all the Kings’ debt and also wants all the money from the broadcast rights to be paid directly to him.

“It is absolute madness.”

News of such major off-field disruption for the Eastern Province side hardly comes at an ideal time on the eve of their return to Super Rugby next year.