Davids in talks with Rademan
Kings’ future tackled at long overdue meeting
TALKS between the EP Rugby Union and the Southern Kings about the road ahead were described as long overdue by Kings head coach Deon Davids. EP Rugby president Andre Rademan summoned Davids and chief operating officer Charl Crous to a meeting about the team’s future.
The talks came after the EPRU ditched the Kings logo in favour of the old elephant logo for their junior and Currie Cup teams.
“It was an information session and we must look at the processes going forward,” Davids said.
“I think it was a long overdue meeting where we could pick one another’s brains in terms of general aspects. It was a good start.
“If we want to move forward we have to make it a collective effort, but to get there we have to be led by SA Rugby in terms of what the next steps will be.
“We are happy to see there is some movement, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves in terms of where we are and where we need to go. I’m looking forward to the next discussion.”
With talks also under way between the EPRU and billionaire Stade Francais owner Hans-Peter Wild about a potential Kings buy-in, there is speculation that the PRO14 team could also be renamed.
Wild visited Port Elizabeth last month, where he met Rademan and watched the Kings v Cheetahs PRO14 clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. During the whistle-stop visit to the Bay, Wild also visited Nelson Mandela University’s high performance centre.
Following the meeting, Davids said that if rugby in the Eastern Cape wanted to move forward it would have to be a collective effort.
The Kings are stranded at the bottom of the PRO14 log after 13 consecutive defeats, and EP’s president is keen to sign some big name players to turn things around.
“Any rugby badge or emblem must have meaning for everyone,” Davids said after the meeting.
“EP Rugby must have good reasons in terms of why they made the decision. For us to go forward it is imperative that we have the same vision in terms of where we want to go and identity is a crucial part.
“I am a great believer in terms of creating the right environment and understanding who you are and what you want to achieve.
“When it comes down to an emblem it has to have meaning for everyone and they have to align in terms of that.
“If we all have a clear picture of where we need to go that is something that everyone will buy into. EP’s president said plans were also being made to boost the EP Currie Cup First Division and junior teams.”
Rademan said: “We are thinking of some of the PRO14 players competing in the Currie Cup. Those are things in our plans for stronger teams.”
The Kings start a three-match European tour with a tough match against Ulster on Friday.
After their match against Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium, the Kings face the Ospreys (February 16) and Leinster (February 23).