Cape Town - Super Rugby newcomers, the Southern Kings, are busy finalising their squad for next year's tournament.

Despite a number of recent signings made public over the last few weeks, the Kings' elite squad for next year still remains a mystery.

"Today (Monday) we started working with a group of almost 40 and hope to have a better idea with where things stand by Saturday," coach Matt Sexton told Die Burger's website.

"The players are being evaluated. We're looking at their fitness levels and if they have any injury niggles.

"We're also conducting blood tests and other medical evaluations.

"We're looking at their strength and skills - everything that can help is give decent feedback to a player.

"Some of them obviously won't make the elite squad. They will play for the EP Kings in the Vodacom Cup," said Sexton.

Recent signings from other franchises include flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis (WP), hooker Bandise Maku (Lions), lock Steven Sykes (Sharks) and centre Andries Strauss (Cheetahs).

Meanwhile, the Kings are still waiting for an answer to their plea to pick four foreign players in their squad - two more than the allowed number.

Hadleigh Parkes, Nicolas Vergallo, Tomas Leonardi and Eusebio Guinazu could all be included if SARU agrees to the request.

The issue will be further discussed at a SARU Executive Committee meeting on December 4.