Cape Town - The Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) has ditched the Kings logo for its Currie Cup and junior teams.
The union will revert back to playing with its tradition logo which features an elephant.
EPRU president Andre Rademan told The Herald that the union's teams would no longer be called the EP Kings, but simply Eastern Province or the EP Elephants.
The Super Rugby franchise, the Southern Kings, will retain their title in the PRO14, but a name change could also be on the cards if a new investor is found.
“There is so much history attached to the elephant and it is part of the Eastern Cape - just look at the famous Addo Elephant Park,” Rademan said. “It will also cut out confusion between the EP Kings and Southern Kings.”
Many local supporters felt the Kings brand was tarnished after a crippling cash crisis engulfed the union.
Meanwhile, Rademan confirmed that discussions were still ongoing between EP Rugby and Hans-Peter Wild, the billionaire owner of top French team Stade Francais, regarding a partnership or possible buy-out.