The Southern Kings are looking “far and wide” for players to make them competitive when they debut in Super Rugby next year.
The latest reported players to apparently have signed for 2013 includes centre Andries Strauss from the Cheetahs and lock Steven Sykes from the Sharks.
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Kings President Cheeky Watson told this website in an interview that they are planning a “formal announcement” for next Wednesday, when they will reveal the first batch of signings.
However, he declined to comment on specific players – despite ongoing rumours linking high-profile players like Andries Strauss (Cheetahs), Steven Sykes (Sharks) and Dimitri Catrikilis (Western Province) to the Kings.
“I can’t comment,” Watson told this website, when asked about reports that Strauss has already signed with the Kings.
“We have franchise partners we have to speak to,” he added.
However, he admitted that there is a lot of recruiting going on, both domestically and internationally.
“We are looking far and wide,” Watson said, when asked if that recruiting includes Argentina.
“We are also looking for tall locks in Japan,” the Kings boss quipped.
However, on a more serious note, he admitted that the recruitment drive is in full swing, but there will be no confirmation of any names before next Wednesday.
“There are lots of rumours around,” Watson said, adding: “Like the rumours that we were in Super Rugby, out Super Rugby, on the sideline of Super Rugby, playing in the Heineken Cup … you know what these rumours are like.”
Strauss on Thursday became the latest player linked to the Kings. Most reports have it as fact that he has signed to move to Port Elizabeth in 2013.
This website has it on good authority that Sykes have also signed on the dotted line and that his contract is already in PE.
WP are determined to hold onto Catrikilis, but this website believes they will be unable to match the Kings’ offer and he will join the influx of high-profile players signing with the Kings.
There are rumours of players from Argentine and New Zealand being lined up as well.
29 @ grootblousmile:…at last, someone takes the blame, hehehe
Leopards U21 vs Lions U21 on at the moment, Lions lads playing some lovely rugby. 14/0 Lions after 8 minutes
30 @ grootblousmile:About time you had the rain, we’re sick of it!!!!
Hahaha, a great flash back to the WC from Cobus Visagie – Krynauw Otto at the 1999 RWC press conf: every time I wear the Springbok jersey I get chickenpox all over.
Another from Cobus – Pienaar on wearing the Springbok jumper for the first time in his first speech: “every time I put on the jersey I get a knob in my throat”
31 @ Just For Kicks:
Hahahaha
Jeez, my Bru’s been pathetic!
33 @ Just For Kicks:
We had rain here in bucket loads last week Wednesday & Thursday (I think)… my Office flat roof again leaking like a sieve, since then BonzaiGBS and myself were up on the roof, re-sealed EVERYTHING on Sunday with 10L of special Rubberised Sealer… should last the season now again.
35 @ Just For Kicks:
Where do you see these quotes from?
Tonight Handbriekie returns from Slaapstad, in the air as we speak…. have to pick her up at OR Tambo at 20:15
Leopards fighting back manfully in the U21 game against the Golden Lions.
With 20 minutes left on the clock the score is Golden Lions 33 / 27 Leopards
Another Leopards try, under the sticks!
Leopards 34 / 33 Golden Lions
Leopards U/21 37 / 36 Gloden Lions U/21
5 Minutes to play
Leopards U/21 win
Leopards 37 / 36 Golden Lions
@ grootblousmile:Shame I missed the rest of the match, sounds like it was very exciting. But pizza’s take preference – according to my wife, anyway!
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