Kings name change in abeyance – for now
Rademan made it clear side may forge ahead with plans in future
Moves to dump the controversial Southern Kings brand after years of financial upheaval and dismal results have been put on ice for the time being.
When the new Pro14 season kicks off on September 1, it still will be the familiar Southern Kings on the scoreboard when they take on Italian outfit Zebre in Parma.
“At this stage the name will stay as it is,” EP Rugby Union president Andre Rademan said on Tuesday.
However, he has not ruled out a name change in the future.
“The EPRU executive still feel that at some point in the future the name could be shortened to just the Kings. The Southern part could fall away,” said Rademan.
“We have to take into account that we are talking to sponsors and we have to listen to their input as well.
“A process is being dealt with. Different roleplayers are involved who must be engaged with before this issue can be finalised.”
Since the appointment of a new EP Rugby executive under Rademan, there has been a swing to move away from the Kings brand which was tarnished during the financial troubles.
The EP Kings have reverted back to the EP Elephants brand for the SuperSport Rugby Challenge and Currie Cup tournaments.
Shortly after plans to change the name were announced, it became clear that some supporters were not happy with the idea.
A supporters group said 75% of members who took part in their own poll said the Kings name should stay, while only 25% wanted a change.
Fans have also made it clear that they feel results and the quality of the team were more important than a name change.
At the beginning of May the EPRU announced that they were giving fans an opportunity to decide whether Southern Kings name should be ditched before the new Pro14 season.
Since their inception in 2009 with a game against the British and Irish Lions, the Kings have endured a stormy history on and off the field.
Rademan and his executive had been keen on an image change for the Pro14 side who could win only one of their 21 matches.
Supporters had been urged to e-mail the EP Rugby Union on whether they wanted the name to be ditched and to also suggest a new one.
When the name change plan was first mooted, Rademan said: “The EP Rugby Union executive has already decided that the name must change. We have dealt with SA Rugby and there is no problem from their side.
“The executive thought it was good idea, but it is not easy just changing a name. There are different stakeholders and roleplayers involved,
“We are going to run a poll with the public. Firstly, do they want the name changed and, secondly, what would they like the new name to be.
“The moment that is sorted out we can take it back to the EP executive and SA Rugby for final approval. We will also consult the Pro14 board.
“There is a time-frame involved because we are kicking off the new Pro14 season in September and there will be a lot of administrative work involved in changing the name.
“If the majority want a change then they will also decide on the new title.
“But, if the majority say no, then it will stay the same beFormer cause we must take the public with us on this.”
Rademan said he would like a name change for a number of reasons.
“There is a lot of baggage around this name. When you speak to sponsors there is a lot of clouds and negativity around the Kings. That is why the executive felt it must change.”
Talks are under way between the Kings and a sponsor which could give the ailing franchise a shot in the arm before the Pro14 season kicks off.
“In conjunction with SA Rugby we are busy with sensitive negotiations with a sponsor. Because of this it is difficult to contract more players,” Kings chief operating officer Charl Crous said.
The EPRU executive still feel that at some point in the future the name could be shortened to just the Kings