Cape Town - New Southern Kings coach Matt Sexton is hopeful that his side will, as promised, be playing in the Super Rugby competition next year.

There is renewed uncertainty over the Kings' Super Rugby participation from next year with SA's 14 provincial unions expected to again vote on their fate at a meeting scheduled for August 16.

Sexton, however, says he will go on preparing as if they'll be playing.

"There are rumours out there, but I was given the assurance from the president (Cheeky Watson) that we will participate (in Super Rugby) and until I'm told otherwise, I'm working towards that," he told Die Burger.

"It's an exciting challenge and it's part of the reason why I grabbed the opportunity."

Sexton now has the task of gradually taking over the coaching reins at the EP Kings in the Currie Cup First Division.

"It's a big shift to make during the season with the series (First Division) having already started.

"It's wonderful to work with Alan Solomons (now the Kings' director of rugby) again. He was my coach when I played club rugby (for Ulster) in Ireland.

The EP Kings are currently unbeaten in the competition with three wins from three matches. They take on Border in Port Elizabeth on Friday night.

Kings' 27-man squad for Border clash:

Rynier Bernardo, David Bullbring, Vleis Engelbrecht, Jaco Engels, Hannes Franklin, Lizo Gqobokoa, Wayne van Heerden, Frank Herne, Thabo Mamojele, Devin Oosthuizen, Charl du Plessis, Cornell du Preez, Luke Watson (captain), Wimpie van der Walt, Boela Abrahams, Wesley Dunlop, Michael Killian, Tiger Mangweni, SP Marais, Falie Oelschig, Marcello Sampson, Wayne Stevens, Scott van Breda, Reynier van Rooyen, George Whitehead, Norman Nelson, Jongi Nokwe.