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Cape Town - A third Kings player has decided to leave the Eastern Province Rugby Union following the non-payment of salaries to players and staff.
The union has confirmed that Kings staff and players have yet to be paid their October salaries.
Due to the Kings’ failure to compensate their players, the South African Rugby Players Association (SARPA) informed the players of their right to leave the union.
SARPA also advised those who do not have alternative employment offers that they are not obligated to return to training on Monday next week.
Sport24 earlier reported that centre Tim Whitehead and prop Lizo Gqoboka have opted to leave the Kings, with the union on Friday announcing that a third player – loose forward Tim Agaba - has also decided to leave.
A statement from the union on Friday read: “Aside from Tim Whitehead and Lizo Gqoboka, who were confirmed as leaving yesterday, the EP Kings can confirm that Tim Agaba has now also given notice of his intent to leave the Kings. These are the only three players that have currently given notice.
“As stated yesterday, we are aware that SARPA have advised players that EP Rugby is in breach of contract, due to the non-payment of salaries by the 10th of November, and that they have advised that players can therefore terminate their contracts.
“They have also advised those who do not have alternative employment offers that they are not obligated to return to training on Monday next week.”
EP Rugby president Cheeky Watson is currently in Australia negotiating with a possible sponsor and the union has pleaded with the remaining players to hold fort.
“A letter from the president, Cheeky Watson, has been received and has been disseminated to all staff and players. The letter explains the current situation to them and has asked the players to bear with us just a little longer.
“We are still experiencing cash flow issues and will not be in a position to release any funds today. We are continuing to engage with our various stakeholders to find a solution.”
