The first Kings head for the exit

Centre Tim Whitehead and prop Lizo Gqoboka have formally tendered their resignations in the wake of the ongoing cash crisis at the Port Elizabeth-based franchise.

Eastern Province Rugby Union executive member Vernon Stuurman, acting as Kings spokesman on behalf of EPRU President Cheeky Watson (who is abroad), confirmed that the two players have given notice.

"We have noted, with concern, that a lot of speculation has taken place over players that are leaving – with a number of names bandied about," Stuurman said in a statement.

"The EPRU can confirm that Tim Whitehead and Lizo Gqoboka are the only players, to date, that have given notice of their intent to leave the Kings," he added.

Stuurman was reacting to the ongoing speculation in the media over the cash crisis that has resulted in the union's inability to pay the players' salaries.

"We acknowledge and apologise for our lack of proper communication on these issues," Stuurman said.

"EP Rugby can confirm that, as of close of business today [Thursday, November 12] neither staff nor players have yet been paid their October salaries.

"This is due to current cash flow problems being experienced at the union that we are working tirelessly to address.

"These cash flow problems can be attributed to significant delays in the release of funds from a sponsorship deal that was originally announced by EPRU President Cheeky Watson.

"As stated previously, Watson is currently in Australia to meet with sponsors to try and expedite the release of these funds.

"The executive is extremely aware of the challenges that late payment creates, as we all have bills to pay and debit orders that come off our accounts at a certain time each month.

"We are also keeping the South African Rugby Union informed of the situation as it unfolds and are engaging with them and our other stakeholders."

He also responded to the reports on rugby365 that the South African Rugby Players Association have advised players that the EPRU is in breach of contract, due to the non payment of salaries by November 10.

SARPA spokesman Nyaniso Sam told rugby365 that as a result of the non-payment the players can now legally cancel any existing contracts with the EPRU/Kings and take up offers elsewhere.

They have also advised those who do not have alternative employment offers that they are not obligated to return to training on Monday next week.

"There has been a lot of speculation and skepticism in the media with regards to the sponsorship deal that Watson announced earlier in the year," Stuurman said.

"As has been communicated before, negotiations relating to sponsorships of this nature are extremely complex and extremely confidential, and the union has erred on the side of caution and have not said anything further in order to preserve the integrity of the deal.

"We understand how this has subsequently resulted in confusion and skepticism in the media and among our supporters, and for this we wish to apologise.

"As stated above Watson is currently in Australia to meet with sponsors to try and expedite the release of these funds.

"Watson has indicated that he will be returning to Port Elizabeth early next week and a press conference will be arranged on his arrival that he may clarify the situation personally."

He also responded to media claims that the Kings will not be ready for their re-entry into Super Rugby in February next year.

"There are a number of concerns relating to whether the Kings, with just over three months to go before the first Super Rugby fixture, will be in a position to compete competitively based on the current circumstances," Stuurman said.

"The EPRU has been preparing for our re-entry into the Super Rugby arena since 2014.

"We have been engaging with SA Rugby and other stakeholders on an ongoing basis throughout our current financial situation, and are confident that, no matter the outcome of the next few weeks, we will be in a position to field a competitive team in next year's competition.

"We will continue to keep the media updated of all significant developments going forward."