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Southern Kings optimistic over 2016 inclusion

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The news that a sixth Super Rugby team from South Africa will take part in the tournament from 2016, boded well for the future of the Southern Kings, said Eastern Province rugby CEO, Charl Crous.

“The inclusion of a sixth team from South Africa into the Super Rugby tournament from 2016 has always been on the cards, and is not something new, but it great to hear that these issues are already being discussed at top level,” said Crous.

Crous said these discussions provided more certainty over the long term viability of the Southern Kings as a super rugby franchise.

“We have always maintained that there is a hunger for top flight rugby in the region and through our inclusion in Super Rugby this year, we have been able to show the world that this is the case.”

“We will continue to work on strengthening our internal structures, focus on talent identification and development, and build on the foundations which were put in place in order to take part in Super Rugby this year,” he said.

At the Sanzar meeting currently being held in Sydney to discuss the future of the tournament both Sanzar chief executive Greg Peters and his South African Rugby Union counterpart Jurie Roux confirmed that agreement has been reached that a sixth franchise from South Africa will play in Super Rugby from 2016 onwards.

The promotion-relegation system is likely to be retained for the next two seasons as Super Rugby continues to be played in it’s current format.

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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.