Cash-less EP Kings lose two players

The union on Thursday confirmed that neither of the Kings’ staff nor players have yet been paid their October salaries.

“The Eastern Province Rugby Union has noted that there have been a number of issues raised in the media over the past few days, and acknowledge and apologise for our lack of proper communication on these issues," the union said.

Due to the Kings’ failure to compensate their players, the South African Rugby Players Association (SARPA) informed the players of their rights to leave the union.

SARPA also advised those who do not have alternative employment offers that they are not obligated to return to training on Monday next week.

The Kings confirmed that, to date, only The Eastern Province Rugby Union confirmed in a press statement on Thursday that they are working tirelessly to address the issue of non-payment of players.players have given notice of their intent to leave the union.

“EP Rugby can confirm that Tim Whitehead and Lizo Gqoboka are the only two players, to date, that have given notice of their intent to leave the Kings,” the statement confirmed.

Whitehead on Thursday confirmed his intention to leave the union.

“You just get to the point when enough is enough and you’ve got to make a difficult decision,” said Whitehead.

Whitehead added that playing Super Rugby would be "first prize" and is no doubt waiting for the phone to ring with a call from one of the five other SA Super Rugby franchises.

Prop Gqoboka, 25, impressed national selectors with his performances in last year's Absa Currie Cup, so much so, that he was invited to train with the Springboks in September 2014.

Twitter - @gazza_jenks @ECRSportswave

Facebook - ECRSportswave

Image Credit  - Gallo Images