EP Kings players have been fully paid out and compensated after finally receiving overdue salary payments.

Following extensive meetings last week, the issues revolving around unpaid wages were eventually resolved, with players having been paid up to date, while also reportedly receiving a double cheque as a form of compensation for the delays.

Although EP president Cheeky Watson said that the wage issues had now been resolved, there has been no confirmation of a lucrative sponsorship deal that he was believed to be on the verge of clinching.

‘What I find amazing and disturbing is that there is so much negativity around something so positive, and that it [the new sponsorship deal] is possibly the biggest sponsorship partnership for any franchise this country has ever seen,’ Watson told The Herald. ‘I can give you the absolute assurance that it is still very much on track, and the launch of the sponsorship and the value is imminent.'

The Kings will open their Currie Cup campaign against the Lions on Saturday, with this domestic season also set to serve as important preparation for their return to Vodacom Super Rugby next year.

Photo: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images