More players join Kings ranks

Cape Town - The Southern Kings have confirmed a number of new signings following a week of intensive training with the SA rugby Mobi Unit.

Chief Operating Officer, Charl Crous, confirmed that Pumas flank Chris Cloete, (24) and Sharks Lock John-Charles (JC) Astle (25) had been secured on loan for the season.

Following initial trials, Crous also confirmed the Southern Kings have also retained the talent of SWD utility back Leighton Eksteen (21) who has played at scrumhalf, flyhalf and fullback, as well as SWD’s Luzuko Vulindlu (28) who has played at centre and wing. Both have been secured on loan from SWD for the season.

Sharks centre Lukhanyo Am (22) has also secured a position in the squad on loan.

Crous said Sharks hooker Monde Hadebe (25) would be returning to the Sharks for rehab following a slight back sprain that will see him out of action for between four to five weeks.

Crous also confirmed hooker Martin Ferreira (26) and lock, Tazz Fuzani (25) had been secured on contract for the Southern Kings season for 2016.

“We are thankful for the support that we have received from the respective unions in making their players available to us. We are still in the process of securing additional players and will be making a few more announcements in the coming weeks,” he said.

Current Kings squad to date:

Aidon Davis, 21, No 8

Chris Cloete, 24, Flank

Cornell Hess, 26, Lock

Cyril-John Velleman, 20, Flank

Edgar Marutlulle, 27, Hooker

Elgar Watts, 30, Flyhalf

Jacobie Adriaanse, 30, Tighthead Prop

Jacques (Vleis) Engelbrecht,30, No 8

James Hall, 19, Scrumhalf

John-Charles (JC) Astle, 25, Lock

JP du Plessis, 24, Centre

Kevin Luiters, 23, Scrumhalf

Leighton Eksteen,21, Scrumhalf, Flyhalf, Fullback

Louis Fouche, 25, Flyhalf

Lukhanyo Am, 22, Centre

Luzuko Vulindlu, 28, Centre/Wing

Malcolm Jaer, 20, Fullback

Martin Ferreira, 26, Hooker

Schalk Ferreira, 31, Prop

Schalk Oelofse, 27, Lock

Shane Gates, 23, Flyhalf

Sipato Junior Pokomela, 19, No 8

Siyanda Grey, 26, Wing/Centre

Stefan Watermeyer, 27, Centre

Stefan Willemse, 23, Flank

Steven Sykes, 31, Lock

Tazz Fuzani, 25, Lock

Thembelani Bholi, 25, Flank

Tom Botha, 25, Prop

Tyler Paul, 20, Lock/Flank