Southern Kings name change on ice

Cape Town - For the foreseeable, the Southern Kings name will remain as is when they play in the PRO14.

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In May, Eastern Cape rugby fans were asked to vote whether they wanted the franchise’s name to be changed after years of financial turmoil and dismal results.

It came after the Kings name and logo were removed from the Currie Cup and SuperSport Rugby Challenge teams, with the union reverting back to being called the Eastern Province Elephants.

Andre Rademan, president of the EP Rugby Union, told Netwerk24 that a name change may still be on the cards in future.

“At this stage, the name will remain as is. We have to take into consideration that negotiations with sponsors are busy taking place and their input should also be valued,” Rademan said.

It appears that fans were divided as to whether the Southern Kings name should be dropped.

Rademan added that the process of a name change could take time.

The Southern Kings endured a torrid debut season in the PRO14, winning only one of 21 games.

They will open their 2018/19 campaign away against Italian side Zebre on September 1.