Kings chief operating officer Charl Crous has been appointed as the Pro14’s head of operations and will begin his new role in June.

Crous has been Kings COO and group CEO of the Eastern Province Rugby Union since 2012 and oversaw all aspects of the professional franchise’s operations in Vodacom Super Rugby and the Pro14.

The head of operations for Pro14 Rugby is a new role, and the appointment of Crous is part of a long-term growth strategy to expand the administration team that runs the tournament.

Crous will work with tournament director David Jordan and tournament manager Amy Monaghan to ensure that the highest possible standards are applied across the Pro14 on and off the field.

Crous and his family will relocate from Port Elizabeth and will be based in Pro14 Rugby’s offices in Dublin.

‘I am really looking forward to being a part of the Pro14 administration and working with the team towards strengthening and growing the competition,’ Crous said. ‘I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that I have been given with the Eastern Province Rugby Union, and for the relationships that I have been able to build over the years.

‘The Southern Kings are at an exciting crossroads, with many positive developments taking place, including the conclusion of a multiple-year title sponsorship and the acquisition of an equity partner, which will help to create stability within the franchise.

‘I am looking forward to seeing the franchise grow with each new milestone and will continue to work with them in my new capacity as head of operations for Pro14 Rugby.’

Photo: Billy Stickland/Inpho