Rugby: Concerns continue for South African conference

The Southern Kings last played in the Super Rugby competition in 2013. Photo /Getty

Everything continues to look and sound rosy in the South African section of Super rugby.

The Kings have lost their coach, the Stormers are uncertain about John Mitchell and the Japanese side can't find anyone to lead their group.

While Sanzar have appointed South African Andy Marinos to lead their organisation and the strength of South Africa's broadcasting deal continues to underpin the competition, their squads don't all bring that financial and organisational clout.

The expanded 18 team Super rugby series begins in February and while there appears to be solidity in the NZ and Australian pools, the two secetions in South Africa are having their worries.

The Pumas are fizzing about their debut but Japan and the Kings have other hurdles to clear before they can narrow their focus towards the start of the series.

Japan need a few basics like players and a coach while the Kings latest coach Brent Janse van Rensburg has resigned after two weeks in the job with the South African Rugby Union forced to step in to help run the franchise. van Rensburg took the Kings through the Currie Cup and was appointed in mid November to coach the Kings.

No one has made any comment about the reasons behind his sudden departure although the lack of payments to players and staff appears to be at the core of the problems.

"We have addressed issues around on-field and off-field structures and preparations and are now moving through our governance and communication processes with stakeholders," ceo Jurie de Roux said.

"We know the franchise has been slow out of the blocks but there was a spring in everyone's step at the conclusion of today's meeting. We're optimistic about the road ahead."

Meanwhile there are rumblings about whether Mitchell is the right man to coach the Stormers after Eddie Jones left to coach England. Some reports suggest the deal is done as talk rises about player discontent.

Mitchell left his last Super rugby job at the Lions after widespread player dissatisfaction at this methods although a hearing cleared him of any malpractice. In his previous post at the Force, there was also significant player unrest.

Province president Theo Wakefield said the franchise was sifting contenders after Jones' sudden exit.

"We spoke to John Mitchell, but we can't allow a guy to compete with himself. We can't just look at one person for the Stormers coaching job. We need to test him against other candidates and that is the process at the moment."