The Kings have agreed on a memorandum of understanding with French club Toulon, which will see a close working relationship between them.

Kings deputy chairman Rory Stear and chief operations officer Charl Crous travelled to France this week where they met Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal to conclude an agreement, officially announced on Thursday.

According to the Kings, the partnership with a French Top 14 club that has been crowned European champions three times further illustrates the ambitious intent of the Kings’ new owners to turn around the fortunes of the Port Elizabeth-based franchise.

Part of the memorandum of understanding will see a sharing of resources between the sides, as well as an exchange programme with the coaching staff of both teams, and a sharing of player resources.

The deal will also allow for youth development through both teams’ rugby academies and will see fixtures between the sides.

‘This is an amazing opportunity for the Kings to twin with a renowned club such as Toulon – an iconic club in the world,’ Stear said.

‘Toulon is a club that have had a good South African link with great Springboks such as Bryan Habana, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Juandre Kruger, Jacques Potgieter and Marcel van der Merwe playing for them. Other world greats include Jonny Wilkinson and current player Julian Sevea.

‘This is an exciting partnership that will see us ensure that we are on track with our determination to make the Kings a world force, just like Toulon.’

Photo: Kings