Now for a big exodus at Kings

Fresh blow looming large after side’s Super exit

AMASS exodus of star Southern Kings players is on the cards after they play their final Super Rugby clash against the Cheetahs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday. It will be a farewell outing for many as the Port Elizabeth franchise comes to terms with their Super Rugby exit and an expected debut in an enlarged European Pro12 tournament. Velleman.

Earlier the Pumas announced that Thembelani Bholi, Stefan Ungerer, Neil Maritz and Cameron Lindsay would be joining them.

Faced by the exodus, Kings coach Deon Davids said the sensational win over the Bulls had energised him ahead of what could be a frantic programme of rebuilding at the resurgent franchise.

It seems likely that Davids will be given the responsibility of moulding a new side when the Kings make their expected debut in an enlarged European Pro12 tournament in September.

When asked about losing key players Davids said: “Unfortunately that is what is going to happen. Never in my life have I had an opportunity to work with a team for more than one of two seasons consecutively.

“So it is tough mentally and physically to start all over and put things in place. But it is a worthy cause and if we can have the same result and the situation as we had against the Bulls then we must do it.

“If you go into an international competition you can’t just be continually recruiting players. You can start out like that, but you have to put a sustainable structure in place building from junior level up to the academy and then to the senior elite squads.

“Hopefully this will be the point where we can start and continue to get East Cape rugby sustainable and build a franchise that in a few years can be an excellent example of building something special.”

Davids has always brushed aside the threat Kings were under regarding their Super Rugby future, but he admitted it had been disappointing when news came through that the franchise would not be playing in the global tournament next year.

“It is a bit of a disappointment, but the team never spoke about this whole issue. It is a huge privilege playing Super Rugby and we are thankful for the opportunity and we learned a lot of lessons,” said Davids.

The Kings are expected to name their team to face the Cheetahs tomorrow as they search for a third consecutive Super Rugby win.