The EP Kings say they are working tirelessly to address the ongoing cash flow problems that have seen players and staff fail to receive October salaries.

In a statement released on Thursday, the payment problems were attributed to significant delays in the release of funds from a sponsorship deal that was originally announced by EP president Cheeky Watson.

EPRU executive member Vernon Stuurman confirmed that Watson was currently in Australia to meet with sponsors to try and expedite the release of these funds.

'Negotiations relating to sponsorships of this nature are extremely complex and extremely confidential, and the union has erred on the side of caution and have not said anything further in order to preserve the integrity of the deal,' Stuurman commented.

He also said that despite speculation over the  possibility of a player exodus, only Tim Whitehead and Lizo Gqoboka have given notice of their intent to leave the Kings.

Stuurman also gave assurances that the Kings would be prepared for their return to Super Rugby next year.

'EP Rugby has been preparing for our re-entry into the Super Rugby arena since 2014. We have been engaging with Saru and other stakeholders on an ongoing basis throughout our current financial situation, and are confident that, no matter the outcome of the next few weeks, we will be in a position to field a competitive team in next year’s competition.'

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