EP Kings in Super Rugby – A Nation Literally Held It’s Breath

The on-again, off-again decision by the South Afican Rugby Union (SARU) to ratify their decision to include the EP Kings in the Super Rugby competition has finally been made. The Lions will sit out for one year whilst the EP Kings play Super Rugby.

Before the decision we ran a quick poll and asked; “Will SARU say yes to EP Kings playing Super Rugby Today?” At the time of writing the vote was a 50/50 split.

Some Twitter Reactions before the decision:

Nearly eight months after Saru voted in favour of the Eastern Cape-based Southern Kings participating in Super… http://t.co/RDsPZhnu

— EP Kings (@EPKings) August 16, 2012

I have to trust that SARU's Kings/Lions decision today will be final, but a part of me thinks it's only over when the fixture list is out.

— Sean Wilson (@SimplySean_) August 16, 2012

Big day today … SARU expected to announce S15 teams for next year… Lions or Kings?

— Super Rugby (@Super18Rugby) August 16, 2012

So how will SARU vote today – Lions or Kings? Everybody seems to think it is Kings in and Lions out…

— Jan de Koning (@JanDKrugby) August 16, 2012

https://twitter.com/MW8Haefele/status/235992438102167553

Today is D-day for the Lions, and it's not looking good. Hello Kings http://t.co/vbkX7M7l

— Nick Pawson (@NickPawson80) August 16, 2012

The Times says Lions will drop out of Super Rugby and play last-placed SA team in 2013 in promotion-relegation match. Saru decision today.

— Simon Borchardt (@SimonBorchardt) August 16, 2012

In January I was at the same hotel for #SARU Genco meeting that ratified Heyneke Meyer's appointment. Today we wait on #SuperRugby outcome.

— Jean Smyth (@JeanSmyth) August 16, 2012

Some Twitter reactions after the decision:

No official word but Anele Pemba says it looks like he 'smiling'

— EWN Sport (@EWNsport) August 16, 2012

Breaking We understand the Kings will play Super Rugby next season. The Lions will sit out for 1 year. @JeanSmyth

— EWN Sport (@EWNsport) August 16, 2012

Thanks SARU! That's ONE match the Rebels will win on the road! #worstfuckingdecisionyouhaveEVERmade #SuperRugby #rugby #Kings

— Mindy Pawsey (@MKPS001) August 16, 2012

Lions out. Kings in. For a year. Basically cockblocking both unions. Applause SARU!

— Sportbilly (@sportbillysays) August 16, 2012

#Kings' Cheeky Watson's delighted. #SuperRugby next season after which there'll be promotion-relegation. @JeanSmyth pic.twitter.com/ws0cO50D

— EWN Sport (@EWNsport) August 16, 2012

#Kings Cheeky Watson says that the voting went 23-6 in favour of them. #SARUGenco @JeanSmyth

— EWN Sport (@EWNsport) August 16, 2012

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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.

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