The Southern Kings are so confident of their future in Super Rugby and their inclusion in the Super 15 that they have started recruiting players and are close to signing a full time coach.
The Southern Kings are a team based in the Eastern Cape that SA Rugby want included in the expanded Super 15 tournament.
If the Kings are to be included in the Super 15 they will be based in the Australian conference so the newly built Nelson Mandela Bay stadium would not be their home venue.
SA Rugby launched the Southern Kings against the British and Irish Lions but have failed to add any further fixtures for the team.
“We, with the assistance of Rian Oberholzer, are keen to organise a match between the Southern Kings and a World Barbarians team in either December or January at the new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium,” Pamba said.
Oberholzer’s company has been appointed to take charge of the new stadium.
“The franchise issue will once again be the focus of attention once the tour by the British and Irish Lions has been completed.”
“It is now in the hands of the Saru executive,’ Pamba said.
Pamba also announced yesterday the signing of several former talented EP schoolboy players who have been plying their trade with top unions like the Sharks and the Bulls as well as overseas.
He also confirmed that former Springbok De Wet Barry is high on the list and that negotiations should be finalised this week.
At the same time, negotiations are far advanced with Alan Solomons as possible coach for the Southern Kings.
As SANZAR have agreed that the extra team in the Super 15 will play in the Australian conference the only logical answer is for an Australian team to be named the 15th team.
