Things looking grim for EP Kings

With the threat to liquidation hanging over their heads later this week, the embattled Eastern Province Kings could be demoted to the Currie Cup First Division.

With the threat to liquidation hanging over their heads later this week, the embattled Eastern Province Kings could be demoted to the Currie Cup First Division today.

Because of their Super Rugby status, the EP Kings were assured of a place in the Premier Division tin 2016, mainly to prepare properly for next year’s Super Rugby tournament. But, if members of the General Council approve a proposal by SA Rugby, the Kings will find themselves in the second tier of South Africa’s domestic competition.

The proposal to demote the Kings has been circulated to the 13 provincial unions. They have until by close of business today to provide their response.

If it is approved the Leopards, who finished fourth in the recently completed qualifying competition, will replace the EP Kings and join the other qualifiers (Griquas, Boland and the Pumas) in the Currie Cup Premier Division this season.

The EP Kings would join the Griffons, South Western Districts, Border, the Valke and the Welwitschias in the First Division.

“We realise the situation is not ideal, but unfortunately we had little other option than to make this proposal,” said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.

“The Currie Cup remains a massively important part of the local rugby landscape and the solution for this year is the best for the competition, while allowing the EP Kings to continue their participation.”

In March, the Port Elizabeth High Court ruled that EP Rugby be provisionally liquidated after an application was filed in January, which initially saw 18 professional rugby players claim they owed them around on R1.3-million in salary arrears. A further 18 players joined the application as intervening creditors, claiming that EP Kings were in breach of an arbitration ruling awarding them R18-million in outstanding salaries.