Cape Town - Springbok and Cheetahs wing Jongi Nokwe could be on his way to play for the Eastern Province Kings next season.
The Volksblad newspaper reports that Nokwe has already been in Port Elizabeth to conduct fitness tests and could play for the Kings in 2012 if an agreement with the Cheetahs is reached.
However, the Cheetahs are still eager to keep Nokwe's services for next year's Super Rugby season.
But Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské says his budget does not allow him to contract the wing for another season.
Nokwe has struggled with a knee injury for more than year now, missing the Cheetahs' Super Rugby and Currie Cup campaigns. He recently joined the Griffons on loan, but failed to impress the Second Division side's coaches and was promptly shifted back to Bloemfontein.
"We're not yet 100% sure about Jongi's future.
"At this point in time, our budget does not allow us to make him an offer. I know he was at the Kings a week or so ago as part of a trial-session. They tested his fitness and was apparently happy with his speed tests.
"If he was to sign a contract with the Kings, we could look at maybe keeping him in Bloemfontein for the Super Rugby competition in 2012," said Drotské.
The Kings are not expected to play in next year's Super Rugby competition.
The Volksblad newspaper reports that Nokwe has already been in Port Elizabeth to conduct fitness tests and could play for the Kings in 2012 if an agreement with the Cheetahs is reached.
However, the Cheetahs are still eager to keep Nokwe's services for next year's Super Rugby season.
But Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské says his budget does not allow him to contract the wing for another season.
Nokwe has struggled with a knee injury for more than year now, missing the Cheetahs' Super Rugby and Currie Cup campaigns. He recently joined the Griffons on loan, but failed to impress the Second Division side's coaches and was promptly shifted back to Bloemfontein.
"We're not yet 100% sure about Jongi's future.
"At this point in time, our budget does not allow us to make him an offer. I know he was at the Kings a week or so ago as part of a trial-session. They tested his fitness and was apparently happy with his speed tests.
"If he was to sign a contract with the Kings, we could look at maybe keeping him in Bloemfontein for the Super Rugby competition in 2012," said Drotské.
The Kings are not expected to play in next year's Super Rugby competition.