Cape Town - The Southern Kings will not participate in this year's IRB Nations Cup event after they were assured of a Super Rugby spot in 2013.
The Kings won the tournament last year when they played as the South African Kings.
The Kings' coach, Alan Solomons, told Die Burger newspaper that the IRB can invite another team for this year's event.
"It was a good event for us last year because we didn't play Super Rugby and we at least wanted to offer our players something.
"Now that we'll be playing Super Rugby next year, we have decided to look at other options," said Solomons.
Solomons said there's a chance that the Kings could play a friendly match against Australia's Western Force in the middle of this year.
"The Nations Cup tournament last year took its toll.
"It is quite tough because you play against three national teams in a short period. We found some of our players were spiritless towards the end of the season."
Last year the Kings beat Georgia 31-17, Romania 27-23 and defeated Portugal 39-12 in their last match to win the tournament in Romania.
SARU on Friday announced that the Kings are assured of playing in next year's Super Rugby tournament.
The Kings also take on the Bulls in a friendly match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this coming Saturday.
The Kings won the tournament last year when they played as the South African Kings.
The Kings' coach, Alan Solomons, told Die Burger newspaper that the IRB can invite another team for this year's event.
"It was a good event for us last year because we didn't play Super Rugby and we at least wanted to offer our players something.
"Now that we'll be playing Super Rugby next year, we have decided to look at other options," said Solomons.
Solomons said there's a chance that the Kings could play a friendly match against Australia's Western Force in the middle of this year.
"The Nations Cup tournament last year took its toll.
"It is quite tough because you play against three national teams in a short period. We found some of our players were spiritless towards the end of the season."
Last year the Kings beat Georgia 31-17, Romania 27-23 and defeated Portugal 39-12 in their last match to win the tournament in Romania.
SARU on Friday announced that the Kings are assured of playing in next year's Super Rugby tournament.
The Kings also take on the Bulls in a friendly match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this coming Saturday.