EP Rugby set to regain control of Kings franchise

Cape Town - Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) president Andre Rademan says plans are firmly in place for the union to regain control of the Southern Kings franchise.

The EPRU has been in financial strife in recent years and was liquidated in 2016.

It forced SA Rugby to take control of the Kings franchise which competed in Super Rugby.

The Kings lost their Super Rugby status last year and they, along with the Cheetahs, were added to Europe’s PRO14.

The Kings, however, have struggled in their debut season, losing all 16 of their fixtures to date.

But Rademan is predicting a change in fortunes.

“Within two weeks a new board will be formed to manage the professional arm (of the EPRU) and then we can take over the (Kings) franchise from SA Rugby,” Rademan told Netwerk24.

This will enable them to attract sponsors and investors, Rademan said.

“Obviously the plan is for us to get a few high-profile players and the big thing is for us to prepare well for the new season.”

Earlier this year a report surfaced of German billionaire Hans-Peter Wild visiting Port Elizabeth.

The owner of French Top 14 club Stade Francais was accompanied by Rademan which started rumours that he was keen to buy the Southern Kings franchise.

However, Rademan at the time insisted talks of buying the Kings were premature.

According to Netwerk24, the EPRU announced a profit of R3 million at its annual general meeting last Saturday.