Baptism of fire in uncharted waters for Kings
AFTER two tough away matches in Europe against the Scarlets and Connacht, the Kings return to Port Elizabeth to host Leinster and Zebra in Guinness PRO14 clashes at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium next month.
It will be a hectic start for the Kings who face defending Pro14 champions Scarlets in Wales in their first match on September 2 before travelling to Ireland to face Connacht in their second game.
Port Elizabeth fans will have their first taste of Pro14 when the Kings face Leinster at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on either September 15 or 16.
The Kings are also at home the following weekend when they take on Italian side Zebra in what is expected to be a hotly contested showdown.
The Kings have yet to name their squad or coach, although they are working frantically behind the scenes to ensure they have a competitive squad.
It is expected that Deon Davids, who coached the Kings in Super Rugby, will be given the nod to coach the side again.
The 14 teams have been divided into two conferences of seven in the new expanded competition structure.
Sides play teams in their own section home and away, while they have home or away matches versus outfits from the other conference.
That means a total of 21 regular season matches, with the top three teams from each conference progressing to the playoffs, which will comprise quarterfinals, semis and the final.
Competition chairman Gerald Davies says he is filled with excitement over the prospects for the new season.
“The strength of the Guinness PRO14 has always been in the diversity of cultures that we have in Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales,” said the former Wales and Lions great.
“Now, we add South Africa, a country with a tremendous passion and heritage in rugby union as we broaden the horizons of the Championship by pitting north versus south on a regular basis.
“It’s a prospect that should whet the appetite of rugby people everywhere.
“I am filled with excitement about the prospect of seeing the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings taking on the best that Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy have to offer.” September 2: Scarlets v Southern Kings. September 8-9: Connacht v Southern Kings. September 15-16: Southern Kings v Leinster. September 22-23: Southern Kings v Zebre. September 29-30: Dragons v Southern Kings..