Kings raid Western Province

The Eastern Province Kings have announced their pre-season training squad following their return to training after a lackluster 2014 Currie Cup campaign.

They have managed to retain a number of their current senior players, as well as seeing numerous younger players making the step-up from the junior competitions.

EP Rugby CEO, Charl Crous, said he was positive about the season ahead.

"We are looking forward to see what this squad can deliver in the upcoming Vodacom Cup. It is especially exciting to see the quality of the talent coming through from our junior structures," he said.

New signings include former Western Province lock Mthetheleli Fuzani, who returns to his home province, having signed a two-year deal with the PE-based side.

Fuzani is joined by Western Province Under-21 flank Eital Bredenkamp, who captained that side in the Final against the U21 Blue Bulls side, and lock Jan Uys, who played alongside Bredenkamp in the U21 competition.

Veteran CJ van der Linde has renewed his contract with the Kings after proving to be instrumental in the improvement of their scrum over the past season, as well as Tom Botha and Shaun McDonald who both received a two-year extension.

Among those who have come up from the junior ranks include the powerful 21-year-old prop Enoch Mnyaka, who played for the NMMU-Madibaz earlier this year, as well as Sphu Msutwana, Vukile Sofisa and Michael Bernardt.

Kings Academy player Armand du Preez jnr, measuring in at 2.05 meters, is also in the mix with utility back Marlou van Niekerk who returns to the squad after a lengthy absence.

Players who have left the squad include Devin Oosthuizen, BG Uys and Sergeal Petersen, who have moved to the Cheetahs, as well as Ntabeni Dukisa, who has moved to Griquas while Pieter Stemmet remains on loan to the Pumas.

Non renewals include Samora Fihlani, Ofentse Boloko, Tobie Botes, Kyle van Zyl, Dane van der Westhuizen and Lowabo Ntleki.