The Kings have named prop Schalk Ferreira as captain for the 2017 Super Rugby season.

Steven Sykes led the Port Elizabeth-based franchise's charge with aplomb last season, but his departure to French club Oyonnax in the off-season left a void in the Kings' leadership ranks.

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On Thursday it was announced that the 33-year-old Ferreira will take over the captain's armband.

Ferreira was part of the Kings squad during their inaugural Super Rugby campaign in 2013, before moving to French side Toulouse for two seasons. He returned to the Kings in 2015.

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