Cape Town – The Eastern Province Rugby Union on Monday confirmed that nine new players have joined the Kings squad as part of their pre-season preparations.
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Despite being in dire financial straits, the Kings started pre-season training on Monday as they prepare for their re-entry into Super Rugby.
The new players who joined the squad are: SP Marais, James Hilterbrand, Jurgen Visser, Stefan Watermeyer, JC Roos, Caylib Oosthuizen, Mark Richards, Louis Fouche and Carel Greeff.
The Kings also confirmed that two more players - wing Luther Obi and utility back Sylvian Mahuza - have put in formal requests to leave the union.
They join loose forward Tim Agaba, centre Tim Whitehead and prop Lizo Gqoboka who last week informed the union of their intent to leave.
Financial issues have meant that the Kings have not paid players, staff or administrators for October.
Due to the Kings’ failure to compensate their players, the South African Rugby Players Association (SARPA) has informed the players of their right to leave the union.
SARPA had also advised those who do not have alternative employment offers that they were not obligated to return to training on Monday.