New challenges bring new promise for Kings outfit

SOUTHERN Kings players feel their team’s imminent inclusion in an enlarged European Pro12 tournament will open new doors and present exciting opportunities.

They also feel that the exciting Kings back division can add new spark to the Pro12 where a kicking game is dominant in a slower paced competition.

Though Celtic Rugby have yet to make an official announcement on the inclusion of the Kings, a deal is expected to be reached early next week.

In a statement Celtic Rugby said: “Advanced and positive discussions are taking place with the South African Rugby Union regarding the introduction of two teams into an expanded Guinness PRO12 Championship.

“Given the proximity of the 2017-18 season start, a final decision on this potential expansion will be confirmed as soon as practical.”

One of the Kings players who welcomed the European talks is Kings scrumhalf Ricky Schroeder. The lively number nine is expected to be one of the players who will remain in Port Elizabeth after many of his teammates headed for the exit door after Super Rugby.

“It has always been lovely being part of Super Rugby and it is quite a prestigious tournament,” said Schroeder.

“However, when the official announcement came that the Kings would not be in Super Rugby there were some mixed emotions. The possibility of being part of the new European tournament is one of excitement and I think a lot of players are feeling like that as well.

“I definitely think it can doors for a lot of players.

“A lot of the Super Rugby players have not played in Europe so that possibility is exciting,” said Schroeder.

Another scrumhalf in the Kings squad, Rudi van Rooyen, says South African players will relish the opportunity of playing in the Pro12.

“A lot of the players at South African teams would prefer playing in the Pro12,” said Van Rooyen.

“Most of the guys are really excited to play in the northern hemisphere. It is a new challenge, a new type of game, playing open many new opposition that you don’t know at all.

“It’s a slower game, so you can manage the bodies a bit better. You just have to get the right squad, enough guys in specific positions for depth, because it is such a long competition.

“The first season might get a bit long, but our depth was tested in Super Rugby and we did exceptionally well.

“We’ve shown this year we’re a great running side. I think we can bring something new to the Pro12, more running than kicking, and I think that will be good for the Pro12.

“Talent-wise we’ve really stepped up and I think we can be a threat. I don’t see why we’d have to stand back for big teams like Munster.

“I really think we can make our stamp in the first year and build on that. I think, if you just get through the first year and how things work, you can build on that.

“I think we can really be contenders growing into the Pro12,” said Van Rooyen.