Reports leaked of player hardship at Super Rugby franchise

The Southern Kings last played in the Super Rugby competition in 2013. Photo /Getty

The Super Rugby expansion is turning into an embarrassing mess with South Africa's financially troubled Southern Kings reported to be facing a player strike.

And the crisis worsened today with Kings hooker Michael van Vuuren confirming he was taking legal action against Eastern Province over money they owed him.

An anonymous employee has also detailed the personal hardships the players are facing after months of failing to receive their salaries.

With the new Japanese franchise also battling to impress, and general criticism of a complicated competition structure, the 2016 expansion could hardly be in worse shape.

The Super XV website reported van Vuuren as saying: "I have no choice but to cancel my contract and exercise my legal remedies.

"The non-payment of monies due to me for October and November have left me financially embarrassed. I am no longer in a position to rely upon my friends and my family.

"The shroud of mystery that surrounds the sponsorship issue, the broken promises and continued financial issues as well as the constant reference to liquidation has rendered my position untenable."

The South African rugby Union is now administering the Kings because of their financial plight. The Kings financial disaster was highlighted this year when former All Black Carlos Spencer quit his coaching post, saying he was owed a heap of money. Captain Tim Whitehead also walked for the same reason, even though he did not have a new job to go to.

"These problems have been going on for a while, and it's been really tough for everyone affected," Whitehead told SARugbymag.

"You just get to the point when enough is enough and you've got to make a difficult decision."

The anonymous staff member made a statement to the Pundit Arena website, saying players were living off $100 a month, leading to evictions from their homes and marriage breakdowns.

"All Kings players and a staff owed up to four months salary will have no temporary solution to receiving their owed salary. The harsh reality is that players are being evicted, collecting £50 food vouchers per month and there have been marriages divorced.

"The business and management have ruined not only the careers but the lives of players and staff, and even fans' opportunity to support a much loved team.

"Throughout all this the players and staff have continued working unofficially. Those who can get to the stadium would go about their work - players doing a pre-season unpaid."

Super XV reported that 30 players will strike unless the money owed to them is not paid by the end of next week. Rugby365 quote players spokesman Lubabalo Mpongoshe saying the players were not happy with the South african Rugby Union's handling of the disaster.

They were upset about a plan to sevens and under-20 players to make up most of the squad, leaving most of the current players out.

Players who did not make it into the Super Rugby squad would have to rely on the "near bankrupt EPRU" for an income. SARU last week revealed a new Kings management structure with an unheralded academy coach Deon Davids as head coach.

"We are unable to go into all the player details right now as we still have to confirm some contracts and tie up loan arrangements but, considering when we started and from what base, I am very pleased with where we have come," SARU CEO Jurie Roux said in a press release.