European league chance for Kings

THERE might be some welcome light at the end of the tunnel for the beleaguered Southern Kings, who look like being axed from Super Rugby next year.

An innovative new plan could breathe fresh life into the troubled franchise, which has been beset by problems after a cash crisis hit the EP Rugby Union.

Former Southern Spears chief executive Tony McKeever says he would like to see the Kings playing in Europe’s PRO12 competition next year if they are cut from Super Rugby.

It is known that SA Rugby are looking for new markets for the two South African teams axed from Super Rugby, so McKeever’s plan certainly has merit.

Though the idea is still in its infancy, it is likely to win many supporters and McKeever says he has already spoken to PRO12 chief executive Martin Anayi about South African teams entering the European competition.

Some of the teams competing in the PRO12 are Leinster, Munster, Ospreys, Scarlets, Glasgow Warriors, Cardiff Blues, Edinburgh and Newport Gwent Dragons.

The wheels always turn slowly at the SA Rugby Union which means the Kings are facing an agonising wait to hear whether they will be playing Super Rugby next year.

This dilly-dallying has left the Kings hanging in the air like a prisoner on death row wondering whether they will be a given a last-minute stay of execution.

Though the decision to cut the Super Rugby league from 18 to 15 teams was made earlier this month, a decision on which two South African teams will be cut will only be announced at the end of June.

With the Lions, Bulls, Stormers and Sharks hot favourites to get the green light, the Kings and Cheetahs must be fearing the worst.

But, even though the odds are heavily stacked against them, both unions have made it clear they will fight tooth and nail to keep their coveted status.

The fate of South Africa’s teams will be decided by a new franchise committee which was established by SA Rugby in December to streamline and professionalise the running of rugby.

All things considered, Europe may well provide the answers to the many problems faced by the Kings.