SA Rugby takes over embattled Southern Kings franchise

SA Rugby has taken over the Southern Kings, amid financial instability at the franchise.

The Pro 14 outfit is now under administration for the second time in five years, having also battled to stay afloat during its brief spell in Super Rugby.

SA Rugby comes to Southern Kings rescue

Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus said he liaise with Kings coach Rob Kempson in addressing “immediate team needs”.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander admitted that the body was reluctant to resume control of the franchise.

“It is our last resort and we are keen to explore ways to return to the shareholding to another’s hands, in conjunction with the EPRU, the minority shareholder, who have given the required approval to the decision,” he said.

“The next step is to appoint a new board to oversee the franchise’s affairs and ensure the team is match ready for when we are able to resume playing.”

Mark Alexander, SA Rugby President

Extreme measures 

Alexander said the decision to intervene was to ensure that the Kings are able to return to the Pro 14.

“This was a decision we took with extreme reluctance and after allowing GRC considerable lee-way in which to meet the contractual commitments they made on the acquisition of the shareholding,” said Alexander.

“We appreciated the vision and intentions of the GRC but unfortunately we are operating in an unforgiving business environment.”

Mark Alexander, SA Rugby President

SA Rugby said the decision on whether an administrator needed to be additionally appointed would be taken in the coming days.

The Kings were first introduced to the South African rugby sphere as the Southern Spears in 2005, but the franchise was dissolved before its Super Rugby debut.

The Eastern Cape-based franchise remerged years later, and competed in the southern hemisphere’s premier rugby competition as one of five South African teams in 2013.

Two years later, the Kings ran into financial trouble, prompting SA Rugby to take control.