Rugby

South African Rugby step in to rescue ailing Southern Kings

Consortium that held 74% shareholding have run in to cash flow problems

Connacht in action against the Southern Kings during a Pro 14 game at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth on March 1st. Photograph: Richard Huggard/Inpho

Mon Jun 22 2020 - 16:50

South African Rugby stepped in on Monday to take over managing control of ailing Pro 14 team Southern Kings, after their majority shareholders ran into cash flow problems.

SA Rugby said it had taken back a 74 per cent shareholding in the franchise, which had been sold to a consortium of local businessmen last year.

"It is our last resort and we are keen to explore ways to return to the shareholding to another's hands," said SA Rugby president Mark Alexander.

“The next step is to appoint a new board to oversee the franchise’s affairs and ensure the team is match ready for when we are able to resume playing.”

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All staff and players have been retained and a finance team appointed to work with franchise administrators on ensuring salary payments are made and business needs addressed, SA Rugby added.

Players were paid late in April in the first signs that the previous shareholders were struggling to meet financial obligations.

“The decision ensures the Southern Kings will participate in Pro 14 and/or any other competitions that may be established within the constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown,” the statement said.

For the moment, there is little clarity on a re-start for rugby in South Africa in the wake of the novel coronavirus lockdown.

Mark Alexander