Key Kings forwards crocked

The Southern Kings have suffered two injury setbacks ahead of their maiden South Rugby campaign.   

Hooker Hannes Franklin and lock Darron Nell both sustained knee injuries during training this week, with Director of Rugby Alan Solomons fearing Franklin could be out for up to 12 weeks after tearing the medial collateral ligament in his left knee on Tuesday.

"We will have a better idea of the extent of the injury and duration of treatment in the next 24 hours," said Solomons.

The former Lions hooker joined the Kings in 2011 and has been a consistent performer for the Eastern Province outfit over two seasons.

Nell suffered an unconventional injury when his knee collided with a partially exposed sprinkler head on Monday. 

The ex-Free State Cheetahs star, however, is expected be ready for the Kings’ historic Super Rugby opener against the Western Force on February 23 in Port Elizabeth.

"Darron has suffered a soft tissue injury, but thankfully there is no fracture. He is expected to be out for about three weeks," said Solomons.