Struggling Kings face mass exit

THE decision by inspirational skipper Steven Sykes to leave the Southern Kings could spark a mass exodus of players from the struggling franchise once the Super Rugby season ends.

Uncertainty over the finances of the EP Kings means players are seeking greener pastures ahead of the Currie Cup Premier Division kickoff later this year.

This is likely to leave the EP Kings battling to assemble a powerful squad for the second stage of the Currie Cup.

The Southern Kings confirmed that Sykes and prop Jacobie Adriaanse would be leaving at the end of the Super Rugby season.

Other reports have linked Kings flyhalf Louis Fouche with Japanese outfit Kubota Spears.

Southern Kings chief operating officer Charl Crous confirmed that Sykes would be moving to Oyonnax, in France, while Adriaanse will join the Blue Bulls.

“Steven has signed a two-year deal with Oyonnax, and Jacobie has signed with the Bulls until October 2018,” Crous said.

Sykes said he had learnt a great deal while at the Southern Kings and was grateful for the opportunity to have captained the side this year.

“I have been playing professional rugby since 2004 and this has been one of my best years to date,” Sykes said.