Player body steps in to try to end Kings row
The SA Rugby Players Association will have an urgent meeting with the EP Kings players today in a bid to end a strike over pay that has put the Currie Cup match against the Lions on Saturday in jeopardy. "We are aware of the situation and we're going to meet with the players," said Sarpa media manager Nyaniso Sam."One of our officials will be in Port Elizabeth and after the meeting we will issue a statement."The players got there this morning and they had a discussion among themselves. They checked bank accounts and they were not paid and did not go to practice. To call it a strike is a bit premature."A source close to the Kings camp said that the players had attended a meeting earlier yesterday at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium."They have decided to down tools until they get paid. They also want to know whether there is a plan going forward," the source said.EP Kings president Cheeky Watson would not confirm if his rugby players were on strike.Watson said: "I am happy the players have taken the day off because there have been a couple of tough matches. The salaries will be sorted out in the next 24 hours."There has been speculation that the players are reluctant to play because their medical aid premiums have not been paid either...
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