Kings plan to hang on to influential trio
Surprise when they were omitted from a 38-man squad
Work is going on behind the scenes to get contract extensions for JC Astle, Schalk Ferreira and Stefan Ungerer to play for the Southern Kings.
There was surprise when the experienced trio were omitted from a 38-man squad which was named last week in anticipation of professional rugby resuming in SA.
“I would not say that was the final squad, we are still in discussions with various provinces, the SA Rugby financing team and our board,” Kings interim head coach Robbi Kempson said in a Zoom media briefing.
“We have put a proposal through for more players to join us and Astle, Ferreira and Ungerer are among them.
“The Kings are also looking for a tight head and perhaps one or two other backs.
“We have a young squad and we need the likes of lock Astle and prop Ferreira as backup in the loose head department.
“We are hopefully going to be bringing in other recruits in other positions [but] specifically at hooker and tight head.”
Astle, Ferreira and Ungerer have all captained the Kings previously and their leadership qualities could give the Kings a boost when professional rugby resumes. With SA Rugby in control at the Kings after the sudden exit of previous owners, Greatest Rugby Company in the Whole Wide World, decisions regarding contracts are made by the controlling body.
“The playing needs are being assessed and if there is any change in personnel an announcement will be made,” an
SA Rugby spokesperson said.
An expanded Currie Cup, including the Kings, would be SA’s answer to the New Zealand Aotearoa competition and Super Rugby Australia’s tournament. Kempson said his team’s preparations for rugby’s restart were well on track.
“We are having three sessions a day at the moment in groups of six,” Kempson said.
“There is no physical contact at all as of yet and hopefully clearance for that will come in the coming weeks.
“They have a gym session and then a skills set.
“Then there is a co-ordination session with coach Vuyo Zangqa and then they do a breakdown with myself, and then a defensive session with Braam van Straaten.
“That is on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
“Then there is a fitness challenge on a Saturday and that is how we go through our schedule during the week.”
Kempson said strict protocols were in place to keep the players safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. The only newcomer in the Kings squad at this stage is experienced Sharks scrumhalf Cameron Wright.
Wright was apparently keen on a move away from Durban because of a lack of game time at the Sharks.
SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux said planning for a domestic competition for the eight franchises was well under way.
“Basically we are going ahead with a domestic competition for the eight senior teams and then an U21 tournament for five junior teams.
“SA Rugby is busy negotiating with government with two scenarios for the domestic tournament, one outside a bio bubble and one in a bubble. It is now about where that bubble will be.”