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The South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) has reinforced its support for the troubled Southern Kings despite a liquidation application being tabled for the Eastern Province Rugby Union (EP Rugby).

SA Rugby assumed control of the Kings ahead of their return to Super Rugby when it was revealed a number of players were owed significant wages by EP Rugby.

With the support of the South African Rugby Players' Association, those players have now tabled a liquidation application against EP Rugby as they seek to secure at least some of what is owed to them.

The action won't affect the Kings' preparations for their Super Rugby opener against the Sharks on February 27 however, with SA Rugby confirming the franchise would take its place in the expanded competition.

"This action has no implications for the preparations or participation of the Southern Kings in Vodacom Super Rugby," SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux said.

"That entity is wholly owned by the South African Rugby Union and the players, coaches and management team will continue with their work as has been planned. They kick off against the Cell C Sharks at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 27 February and that, and the rest of their fixtures, are unaffected."

The future is less clear for the lower levels of EP Rugby, including the Union's Currie Cup side.

"There will be questions about what this means for the EP Kings in the Currie Cup and for the administration of amateur rugby in the Eastern Province," Roux said. "We have also been asked if SA Rugby will be 'taking over'.

"Constitutionally, SA Rugby can only become involved in the administration of a union if it is invited in, or if a union fails to put in place recommended corrective measures.

"But, in the first instance, the Eastern Province Rugby Union, as the sole shareholder in EP Rugby (Pty) Ltd, will have to address the court action before anything else can happen."