Possible changes to Kings brand

THE Southern Kings brand could disappear off the face of the rugby map after the team play their final PRO14 game of the season against the Cheetahs today.

After 68 Super Rugby and PRO14 games around the globe with the Kings logo on their chests, fans are likely to witness the end of an era at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

While the Kings name seems destined for the history books, the franchise will live on for at least another two years in the PRO14. But future teams are expected to sport new colours, badge and name when they appear on the international stage.

It could well be the Mandela Bay Saints or the Mandela Bay Titans taking to the field in Port Elizabeth next year when the new PRO14 season kicks off.

Since the appointment of a new EP Rugby executive under president André Rademan, there has been swing to move away from the Kings brand which was tarnished during the financial troubles which crippled the union.

The EP Kings have already reverted back the EP Elephants for the SuperSport Rugby Challenge and Currie Cup tournaments, and it seems likely the Kings will be renamed,

The new EP hierarchy now seeks to reposition themselves in the rugby world.

With his team badly hit by injuries, Kings head coach Deon Davids bemoaned his team’s lack of a proper pre-season.

He also predicted a fast start from the Cheetahs as they bid to earn the one point they need to qualify for the PRO14 play-offs.

It has been a long hard season for the Kings who have only a single win to show from their opening 20 games after they were hastily assembled after their exit from Super Rugby.

Davids said his team would face a determined Cheetahs side today.

“I think they will want to get that one point as soon as possible. So I am expecting a quick start,” said Davids.

“We will have to put out bodies on the line. I want the guys to play fearlessly and to enjoy themselves because they have worked very hard in testing conditions this year.

“They owe it to themselves. Throughout the season I could never actually fault the guys’ effort. There were one or two games where I was a little bit unhappy with the performance.

“But in terms of stepping up. and effort I can really say that they tried their best. I hope they will show that same character and effort this weekend.”

The two sides have met on six previous occasions in all competitions with the Cheetahs running out victorious on all occasions.