New Kings exodus underway

TRANSFER NEWS: The next wave of an exodus from the Southern Kings is about to get underway.

The Kings confirmed that hooker Michael Willemse is in talks with Scottish side Edinburgh.

Media reports suggested the 25-year-old, who captained the Southern Kings in their Peo14 debut season in 2017/18 and the early part of the 2018/19 season before he was sidelined by a shoulder injury, has already signed for Edinburgh.

However, Willemse has indicated that while no deal has been finalised, he is in talks with the Scottish side.

"Michael Willemse has spoken to us to indicate that he and his agent are in the advanced stages of talks with Edinburgh for a possible move to the Scottish team," Southern Kings Chief Operations Officer Charl Crous said on Monday.

"Michael has been an integral part of our team and has emphasised his commitment to the Southern Kings until the end of his contract with the franchise."

Willemse, who is a former scholar at Grey High School in Port Elizabeth, joined the Southern Kings ahead of their final Super Rugby season in 2017 where he quickly established himself as one of the key players for the side.

The former South African Under-20 player is contracted with the Southern Kings until the end of June 2019.

The Kings said they will not make any further comment on the matter until it has been finalised.

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