Neath set to call on King for All Whites
NEATH are expecting Regan King to finally pitch up at the club – and he could go straight into the squad for the Principality Premiership encounter with Swansea at St Helen’s on Saturday.
The one-cap All Black had been due to arrive in Wales in June but summer came and went with no sign of the centre, fuelling speculation that he wouldn’t be heading for The Gnoll after all.
But Neath have stayed in touch with the veteran playmaker, who has been playing rugby for the Perth-based Arks club in Australia, and at last appear to have received positive news.
“He has told us he’s coming over,” said chairman Mike Cuddy.
“He should be in Wales on Wednesday.
“The hope is he’ll be able to feature for us against Swansea on Saturday.
“We’ll see what kind of shape he is in and make a call, but it would be good for him to be involved as soon as possible.”
Neath will just hope there are no further hitches in a story that has already turned into a saga.
If King does show up it will be good news for the club as they search for their first victory of the season.
The 37-year-old’s best days may be behind him, but he was playing top-tier European rugby just over two years ago, so should still be able to offer something.
At his peak, he had a razorsharp rugby brain and sublime passing skills and was once voted the best centre in the world.
Time stands still for no man, but the former Scarlets, Stade Francais and Clermont Auvergne player boasts a wealth of experience that Neath reckon could prove invaluable as they seek to climb the Premiership table.
“It’s a big season with four clubs being relegated, so of course it’ll be good to have someone of Regan’s ability and experience in the set-up,” said Cuddy.
“We’re all looking forward to seeing him.”