The Eastern Province Kings are set to retain their Currie Cup status but could play in the second-tier Currie Cup First Division if a proposal by SA Rugby (Saru) is approved by members of the General Council. With the threat of liquidation hovering over the troubled union‚ the Eastern Cape-based side could be removed from participating in the premier division of the domestic competition.Kings coach Davids doesn't know what the future holds for troubled franchiseThere is no clarity on how the Kings will be funded and how many players will be contracted next year following their difficult 2016 Super Rugby campaign‚ which came to an end last Saturday. Saru’s proposal for the EP Kings to play in the First Division has been circulated to the 13 provincial unions‚ who have until close of business on Tuesday to provide their responses.If it is approved‚ the Leopards – who finished fourth in the qualifying competition – will replace the EP Kings and join the other qualifiers (Griquas‚ Boland and the Steval Pumas) in the Currie Cup Premier Division this season.Eastern Province would join the Griffons‚ South Western Districts‚ Border‚ Valke and Welwitschias in the First Division.“We realise the situation is not ideal but unfortunately we had little other option than to make this proposal‚” said Sary CEO Jurie Roux.“The Currie Cup remains a massively important part of the local rugby landscape and the solution for this year is the best for the competition while allowing the EP Kings to continue their participation.”The change – if approved – would mean the Currie Cup Premier Division would be contested by the Golden Lions‚ Western Province‚ Blue Bulls‚ Sharks‚ Free State Cheetahs‚ Griquas‚ Boland‚ the Pumas and the promotion candidates‚ the Leopards.SA Rugby also confirmed that following the Lions’ qualification for the Super Rugby final in New Zealand on Saturday‚ their provisional Currie Cup schedule has been revised and the Golden Lions will have a bye this weekend. - TMG Digital..