Share

Kings may get royal treatment

Cape Town - Southern Kings coach Matt Sexton says they expect to be allowed to use six foreign players in next year's Super Rugby competition.

The Kings recently asked the South African Rugby Union (SARU) to allow them to use more than the two allowed foreign players in the Southern Hemisphere showpiece.

The Kings will play in the Super event next year at the expense of the Lions, but the threat of a possible promotion-relegation match straight after the tournament has necessitated them to do all they can to boost their player ranks.

Earlier this week they signed Argentina scrumhalf Nicolas Vergallo and Blues back Hadleigh Parkes.

SARU last week said an announcement on the exact number of foreign players the Kings will be allowed to use will be made later this month.

But Sexton told the stuff.co.nz website they will be looking to field six foreign players.

"They've had to allow us more foreign players. I think they're going to allow us six," he said. "The circumstances we've been put in have made it very difficult so they've given us a bit of flexibility. We're looking at a few Argentinean players that are currently in the Rugby Championship."

He also feels the threat of promotion-relegation is not ideal as history shows that a team playing Super Rugby in its first year normally struggles.

"That makes it double difficult; you've got the dinner cleaver hanging over your head at the end of the season if things don't go according to plan.

"We've got to take a positive stance on things and say we're not going to be the last in the conference. Hopefully it all comes together and we won't have to worry about relegation," the New Zealander said.

Other recent signings from the Kings include local players Demetri Catrakilis (WP flyhalf), Andries Strauss (Cheetahs centre) and Steven Sykes (Sharks lock). Lions hooker Bandise Maku is also reportedly on the PE-based union's books, although the signing still needs to be officially confirmed.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Should the Southern Kings be allowed to sign six foreign players for next year’s Super Rugby competition? Send your thoughts to Sport24.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1187 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1376 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2101 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE