Former All Blacks star on Kings' wish list

Cape Town - Former All Black wing Julian Savea and Springbok flank Jacques Potgieter are reportedly on the Southern Kings' wish list.

Afrikaans website Rapport indicated on Sunday that the duo, who both ply their trade at French club Toulon, could be the first of a number of high-profile signings by newly-appointed Kings high-performance director Rob Kempson.

Savea has been struggling for form since joining Toulon last year, while Port Elizabeth-born Potgieter is battling to get game time at the club.

The French giants recently agreed on a memorandum of understanding with the Kings, which will see a close working relationship between the clubs.

The report added that the Kings and Savea’s representatives have been locked in talks during the past few days. But with the former All Black earning about R23 million per year in France, the Kings would need to exceed or at least match his salary.

It is estimated that the Kings would have to release at least 20 contracted players to secure the services of Savea and Potgieter.

The 28-year-old Savea played 54 Tests for the All Blacks between 2012 and 2017, while Potgieter, 32, played three Tests for the Springboks in 2012.