Super Rugby
SARU confident Kings will be ready for Super Rugby
ESPN Staff
November 26, 2015
SARU believe the Southern Kings will be ready to return to Super Rugby by February © Getty Images
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The South African Rugby Union says they expect to announce details of the rescue plans for the Southern Kings early next week after the Super Rugby franchise's preparations for the 2016 season hit a road block with a cash crisis.

The Kings are the sixth South African side in the expanded Super Rugby competition, but a financial crisis within Eastern Province Rugby has seen a number of players break contracts and move to other teams over non-payment of salaries.

The SARU have now taken administrative control of the side and revealed that following a planning meeting on Wednesday they are certain the side will be ready for their Super Rugby return.

"We have made major progress in preparing an implementation plan for the Super Rugby franchise," said Jurie Roux, CEO of SARU, following a meeting of a task team at SARU's offices.

"We have addressed issues around on-field and off-field structures and preparations and are now moving through our governance and communication processes with stakeholders.

"I expect that process to be completed by early next week - after we have informed the SARU Exco - after which time we will be able to reveal all the details to the rugby public of Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape.

"We know the franchise has been slow out of the blocks but there was a spring in everyone's step at the conclusion of today's meeting. We're optimistic about the road ahead."

The Kings have yet to have finalised their coach and will kick off their season against the Sharks in Port Elizabeth on February 27.

© ESPN Staff

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