The Southern Kings will keep their name during the 2018-19 Pro14 season after fans were asked to vote on a potential change.

Fans were asked for their input in May, given the Kings’ association with years of financial turmoil and dismal results.

The Currie Cup and Provincial Rugby Challenge teams are both known as the EP Elephants, but according to EP president André Rademan, negotiations with stakeholders are ongoing.

‘At this stage, the name will remain as is. We have to take into consideration that negotiations with sponsors are busy taking place and their input should also be valued,’ Rademan told Netwerk24.

The Kings will open their 2018-19 campaign away against Italian side Zebre on 1 September, and will hope to do better than their last-place finish last season.

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images