Australian James Hilterbrand, a hooker currently playing for Edinburgh in European competitions, headlines a list of 9 new signings by the Southern Kings.
This was announced on Monday, a day that another 2 players – wing Luther Obi and utility back Sylvian Mahuza – have given notice of their intent to leave the Kings, the Port Elizabeth-based franchised announced the list of new recruits.
Apart from Hilterbrand, who played 2 games for the Western Force in 2013 and 14 games for Edinburgh since joining them for the 2013 / 2014 season, they have signed a number of high-profile players.
These include duo Jurgen Visser and Louis Fouché (Vodacom Bulls), Caylib Oosthuizen (Toyota Cheetahs), SP Marais (Cell C Sharks), Stefan Watermeyer and JC Roos (Steval Pumas), Mark Richards (Emirates Lions) and Carel Greeff (ORC Griquas).
The departure of Obi and Mahuza brought to 5 the number of players who confirmed they have ended their contracts with the Kings in the wake of the franchise’s cash crisis.
Last week 3 players – loose forward Tim Agaba, centre Tim Whitehead and prop Lizo Gqoboka – terminated their contracts with the franchise.
The Kings management confirmed that by Monday they have still not been able to pay October salaries to players, coaching and administration staff.
However, according to a statement from the Kings they have not received any “notice of intent to leave” from any of the current coaching staff.
“We are thankful for their ongoing support and commitment,” the statement said.
The Southern Kings started pre-season preparations on Monday, despite the financial upheavals and uncertainty.
It started with a practice session at Sardinia Bay. Training focused on establishing fitness levels and included a game of touch rugby.
According to the Kings coaching staff the program for the rest of the week will focus on strength and conditioning training.
“Despite the trying circumstances the mood in the camp was positive,” the statement said.
“Management and players are aware of the current situation and have not allowed circumstances to impact on their pre-season preparations.
“All players were punctual and professional.
“The new players were welcomed and made to feel part of the team, and all team members were given the chance to socialise and get to know each other.”
rugby365
I see Cheeky Watson says that he WON’T step down AND that the Southern Kings will try and make use of FRINGE PLAYERS from other SA Super Rugby sides.
Their Currie Cup coach, Brent Janse van Rensburg, has been appointed as their Super Rugby coach, despite just winning 2 Currie Cup game against bottom of the Log teams.
The 5 best players have left the Kings and the 9 signings are Vodacom Cup quality (with the exception of Stefan Watermeyer & JC Roos and Carel Greeff who are good enough, I believe).
Fringe players will be Vodacom Cup quality at best.
This looks like a disaster in the offing, and with SARU taking control I doubt it would be any better… with their disaster record.
If Cheeky had ANY, ANY honour he would have stepped down, after this dire financial crisis he created…
I hope the steps to introduce a Motion of No Confidence against him gains momentum and ousts him by force.
He is a scurge on the EP Kings and Southern Kings!
To be fair to the Kings, they are following the Lions recipe of a few seasons ago. They also had a squad of fringe players from other provinces plus a few home bred players. Now that same squad is playing the kind of rugby everyone seems to want the Bokke to play. There was also howls of outrage when players like Warren Whitely and Jaco Kriel were omitted from the WC squad.
But having said that the difference between the Lions and the Kings is that the Lions have an equity partner, and were able to ride storm in their year in the wilderness. That and the few games that happened in the Lions Challenge kept the players in Joburg.
The politics and self serving agendas need to go from PE and the partner unions. Then, and only then will the Kings be able to build a competitive team.
I feel for the players, both the remaining players as well as the new signings. It must be hell not knowing if you will be paid at the end of the month.
Rassie set for coaching comeback with Kings:
This morning’s Mercury reports that SARU has seconded high powered coaching staff to take control at the Kings:
Rassie Erasmus (to take the reins), Jacques Nienaber (defence expert), Louis Koen (kicking coach), Balie Swart (scrums) & Richie Gray (breakdowns).
{I don’t know how this impacts, & where this leaves the current Kings coach, Brent Janse van Rensburg}.
If true, this is arguably the best coaching complement currently available to any SA Super Rugby franchise.
Most of the 5 players who have departed the Kings are unlikely to be granted much game time at their new franchises; ’tis tough on them, but at least they’ll have a secure income.
(Imo) SARU is showing its determination to rescue the Kings …
Time will tell …
Lion4ever wrote:
The Brumbies (a major success story), even more so than the current Lions, also started with fringe players from other franchises.
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