MyPE

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Are the Kings Dead Men Walking? YES or NO

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Writing in the Mail and Guardian Andy Capostagno said:

Luckless Kings a dead franchise walking

In 2016 the Kings franchise was hamstrung by a legal battle with former players who had not been paid. The South African Rugby Union (Saru) took over the administration and, even though the franchise managed to raise a team for its 15 games, it won just two of them. But if you thought the Kings had nothing to play for last season, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Sanzaar (South Africa New Zealand Argentina Australia Rugby) is restructuring the unwieldy and unpopular 18-team Super Rugby format. Consultants Accenture are putting together models for the future of the competition, at least two of which see no future for the Kings.

In the event that some form of logic prevails, the Kings is a dead franchise walking. As the last side to be admitted, it should be the first out.

The implosion of the Kings was a result of a major sponsorship falling through. Their quality players have jumped ship and what remains is a hotchpotch of talented youngsters, many of them black, and journeymen players who have been rejected by other franchises. It is unlikely that the squad will improve on last year’s results and, by this time next year, the Kings will be consigned to the dustbin of history.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.