Kings lose skipper for season

Port Elizabeth - Eastern Province Kings skipper Schalk Ferreira will likely miss the rest of the season due to a groin strain.

The burly prop sustained the injury during their Currie Cup Premier Division clash against the Boland Cavaliers at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium two weeks ago.

EP Kings head coach, Barend Pieterse, said Ferreira would most likely not be available for selection for the rest of the Currie Cup.

Pieterse said Cornell Hess, who injured his ankle in the captains run ahead of the Boland game, was also out of contention for the rest of the season, after X-rays revealed he had sustained a fracture to his foot.

Following last Friday’s game against the Blue Bulls in Pretoria, Pieterse said a number of players were a bit stiff, which was understandable given the physicality of the game.

Pieterse said Christiaan de Bruin, who had been stretchered off the field in the dying minutes of the match, had been cleared by the medical staff.

"He is a bit stiff and sore, but has passed his concussion test. He will be managed on a day to day basis under the supervision of the medical staff," he said.

Pieterse said loose forward Sebastian Ferreira had a possible fractured finger and was going for X-rays later on Monday. He said they were also waiting for further feedback on David Antonites, who had also sustained a hand injury during the 49-35 loss to the Blue Bulls.

In their next match, the Kings host Western Province in Port Elizabeth on Saturday (16:00 kick-off).