SA Rugby has confirmed that the Leopards are set to replace the EP Kings in the Currie Cup Premier Division.

The Kings will play in the First Division, if a proposal by SA Rugby is approved by members of the general council. The proposal has been circulated to the 13 provincial unions, who have until close of business on Tuesday to provide their response.

If it is approved, the Leopards – who finished fourth in the qualifying competition – will replace the Kings and join the other qualifiers (Griquas, Boland and the Pumas) in the Premier Division this season.

EP would join the Griffons, SWD, Border, the Valke and Welwitschias in the First Division.

'We realise the situation is not ideal but unfortunately we had little other option than to make this proposal,' said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux. 'The Currie Cup remains a massively important part of the local rugby landscape and the solution for this year is the best for the competition while allowing the EP Kings to continue their participation.'

The change – if approved – would mean the Premier Division would be contested by the Golden Lions, Western Province, Blue Bulls, Sharks, Free State Cheetahs, Griquas, Boland, the Pumas and Leopards.

SA Rugby confirmed that following the Lions’ qualification for the Super Rugby final on Saturday, their provisional Currie Cup schedule has been revised and the Golden Lions will have a bye this weekend.

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images