Kings seek return of their Prodigal sons

If the new owners of the Isuzu Southern Kings are planning to ignite the flagging fortunes of their Guinness Pro14 team, they may embark on a revived “bring them home, keep them home” policy.

This was the mantra during the Cheeky Watson era where the union attempted to bring players back who had left the region for greener pastures.

Unfortunately, the policy proved unsustainable and played a part in the financial crisis at the franchise.

But, with an ambitious cashflush business consortium at the helm, there should be more money in the pot to acquire the services of top players.

Much will also depend on what timeline the business group have in mind for resurrecting the fortunes of a team that has won only two of its opening 17 games.

Rugby entrepreneur Tony McKeever has warned if the owners do not sign quality players, they will remain “chopped liver” at the bottom of the Pro14 log.

There are many names that could be on a potential wishlist, and Springbok and Stormers captain Siya Kolisi would probably be at the top.

Whether the consortium’s budget stretches that far remains to be seen, but luring a player of Kolisi’s calibre home will require more than just a sack of cash.

Another popular signing would be flyhalf Lionel Cronje who inspired the Kings before they exited Super Rugby in

2017.

Cronje is now playing for Toyota Verblitz in Japan, and any move to bring him back to Port Elizabeth would be costly.

Other recent members of the Kings who could be on the radar are the Sharks duo Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am and James Hall who is playing in France.

There are also the former Grey High pupils Curwin Bosch and Jeremy Ward who are also established members of the Sharks side.

Powerhouse prop Lizo Gqoboka, now playing for the Bulls, is another former Kings old boy who would be a popular signing.

One of the stars of the Kings’ 2013 Super Rugby, Sergeal Petersen, who scored a try on his Super Rugby debut against the Western Force, may also be on a list of wanted players.

Petersen, a former Grey High pupil, is playing for the Stormers in Cape Town.

Centre Shane Gates, now playing for the Sunwolves in Super Rugby, would be another welcome recruit if finances allowed.

The list of players who had their roots in the Bay but furthered their careers elsewhere is frustrating for Kings fans who have seen their team slip down the rankings.

On Thursday the Kings’ owners are hosting a briefing on the “Way Forward” for the Kings at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

It is expected they will spell out their policy on recruitment and other matters at the event.

The list of Bay players plying their trade elsewhere is worrying