Touch rugby on the beach was how the troubled Southern Kings began preparations for their return to Super Rugby yesterday.
This first session on the golden sands of Sardinia Bay were closed to the media, but some sources said the players were kept busy with various beach drills as they blew away the cobwebs after an end-of-season break.
It is not clear how many of the unpaid players turned up because they are no longer obligated to train because of their unpaid wages.
While the list of players leaving the Kings grows longer by the day, EP Rugby did announce some new arrivals.
In a statement EP official Vernon Stuurman confirmed that pre-season training was under way, but he did not say which players attended training.
“Training today focused on establishing fitness levels and included a game of touch rugby. The programme for the rest of the week will focus on strength and conditioning training,” said Stuurman.
“Management and players are aware of the current situation and have not allowed circumstances to impact on their pre-season preparations.
“All players were punctual and professional. The new players were welcomed and made to feel part of the team, and all team members were given the chance to socialise and get to know each other.”
Stuurman said the following players had joined the Kings pre-season training squad: SP Marais, James Hiltebrand, Jurgen Visser, Stefan Watermeyer, JC Roos, Caylib Oosthuizen, Mark Richards Louis Fouche and Carel Greef.
There is also talk that Stormers pivot Kurt Coleman could be on his way to Port Elizabeth.
EP Rugby also confirmed that Luther Obi and Sylvian Mahuza, have given notice of their intent to leave the Kings.
“All coaching staff were present at practice today. EP Rugby has not received any notice of intent to leave from any of the current coaching staff.
“As per our previous correspondence, due to cash-flow problems we have not been able to pay October salaries. This is applicable to both players, coaching and administration staff.
“EP Rugby has been engaging with players and is doing everything we can to assist where possible. We are thankful of the assistance being given by the SA Rugby Players Association (Sarpa) and other stakeholders.
Kings president Cheeky Watson was expected to arrive in Port Elizabeth today, but the Kings would not reveal his whereabouts.
There is talk that Watson is in Johannesburg attending rugby meetings.
SA Rugby president Oregan Hoskins said a close watch was being kept on the Kings.
“The president of Eastern Province has updated me on his union’s expectations and plans. They are currently dependent on third parties for the realisation of commitments and until those come to fruition the Kings’ have no room for manoeuvre,” said Hoskins.