Saru CEO Jurie Roux says 'major progress' has been made in preparing an implementation plan for the embattled Kings.

With the South African Rugby Union having taken over control of the cash-strapped franchise, a task team met at Saru's offices as plans moved into the next stage.

Roux said they aimed to announce details of their plans for the Kings early next week.

'We have addressed issues around on-field and off-field structures, and preparations and are now moving through our governance and communication processes with stakeholders. I expect that process to be completed by early next week – after we have informed the Saru exco – after which time we will be able to reveal all the details to the rugby public of Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape.

'We know the franchise has been slow out of the blocks, but there was a spring in everyone’s step at the conclusion of today’s meeting. We’re optimistic about the road ahead,' he added.

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