Whitehead: There's no personal vendetta
The midfield stalwart, Whitehead, and prop Lizo Gqoboka became the first players to formally tendered their resignations in the wake of the ongoing cash crisis at the Port Elizabeth-based franchise.
Whitehead told rugby365 that he has not yet decided where he will play next, but Gqoboka has been linked to a move to the Bulls.
Other Kings players reportedly also heading for the exit door include Tom Botha, Tim Agaba, Thembelani Bholi, Shane Gates, Luther Obi and Sylvian Mahuza.
Agaba has been linked to the Stormers, but the destiny of the other players remain uncertain.
Eastern Province Rugby Union President Cheeky Watson is currently in Australia where he is desperately trying to finalise a sponsorship – said to be worth anything between ZAR140-million and ZAR200-million.
However, Whitehead said he hopes the financial crisis gets sorted out before other players reach the "tipping point" where they take up alternative offers.
The 27-year-old, Whitehead, admitted he has reached his tipping point and that a change of scenery will be good for his career.
He said he hoped that most of the players do stick it out, although they can't be blamed if they too head out the door – after months of uncertainty and unpaid salaries.
Whitehead, who captained the Kings this year, was at the forefront of the player protest action since June this year – which included their refusal to train (or going on strike) and wearing white armbands in a match – over unpaid salaries.
While salaries for June, July, August and September were eventually paid – with reports claiming the Nelson Mandela Bay taxpayers' money were used to foot the bills – none of the players or officials have received their October salaries.
There is also a court case pending in which the Nelson Mandela Bay Ratepayers Association and trade union AfriForum – who revealed the taxpayers saga – are challenging the legality of the re-appointment of Access Management as operators of the NMB Stadium.
"I really hope the money stuff can get sorted out," Whitehead told rugby365, adding: "That tipping point is going to come at different times for different players."
He said he has "no firm plans" for the future.
"At the moment I am a free agent," he said, adding: "I have my agent working on stuff.
"I am pretty much open to anything – Europe, Japan, the United States, anything that comes up, I am willing to look at it.
"However, if I could play Super Rugby that would be awesome."
Whitehead, who has another year to run on his contract with the Kings, admitted the financial crisis at the Port Elizabeth-based franchise played a role in his decision to leave.
"I have enjoyed my time here, I have learnt a lot about myself," he told rugby365.
"I have had more of a leadership role and I am grateful for that.
"However, there comes a point when you feel it is the right time to go.
"It was a number of external issues that made me realise it is the right time to go now.
"The salary issue has been tough for everybody involved.
"I know the senior management members, [President] Cheeky [Watson] and [CEO] Charl [Crous], have been working really hard to get it done.
"It is unfortunate that the sponsor hasn't landed yet. It is a really difficult situation for everybody and they are working really hard to get it sorted.
"Every player has a timeline and then gets to that final tipping point when he says: 'Now is the right time for me to do it'.
"That is where I am at the moment."
He said he had spoken to a few players and that "most of them" would like to stick around.
"I really hope that they do," Whitehead said, adding: "I have no personal vendettas.
"I just feel I need a change and that could be good for me, I am keen for a change.
"I have spoken to guys and a lot of them are keen to play Super Rugby and committed to stick around.
"I really hope the money stuff can get sorted out, because that tipping point is going to come at different times for different players.
"It would be sad for it all to implode if it doesn't get sorted out.
"I am going to miss it and miss the guys, as we have a great group of people.
"That is why I am saying for the sake of the players, the Kings and everybody involved it gets sorted out and keeps going in the right direction."
Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
