Kings coach would welcome discarded Bok Paige

Cape Town - Southern Kings coach Deon Davids says he would welcome Bulls discard Rudy Paige into their squad.

READ: Bulls boss Mitchell explains Paige omission

The Springbok scrumhalf was a shock omission when Bulls coach John Mitchell named his Super Rugby squad earlier in the week.

Ivan van Zyl, Andre Warner and Embrose Papier was named as the Bulls scrumhalves with no spot in the 38-man squad for the 28-year-old Paige, who boasts 13 Test caps.

With Paige out in the wilderness, it raised questions whether some of the country’s other franchises would be interested.

The Stormers indicated that they were not interested but the struggling Kings appear to have a different viewpoint.

“He has a good pass, is a good defender, he can kick and has good leadership characteristics,” Davids told Netwerk24 when probed whether he would like to have Paige in his squad.

“If you look at the circumstances we find ourselves in, then I think a national scrumhalf with so much experience can definitely mean something to us.”

The Kings however find themselves in a tough financial position and are largely dependent on the South African Rugby Union for players.

The decision to sign players does not lie with Davids, but the coach added: “We’re constantly in communication (with SA Rugby) on how we can strengthen the Kings.”

The Kings are struggling in their debut season in the PRO14, having lost all 13 matches to date.