The Kings have confirmed that captain Shane Gates and No 8 Aidon Davids have signed contracts to play in Japan and France respectively.

Gates has joined Japan's NTT Communications Shining Arcs on a two-year deal, while Davids was snapped up by three-time European champions Toulon for next season. The duo will link with their new clubs at the end of the Super Rugby campaign.

'Both Shane and Aidon are a testament to the talent that the Eastern Cape has to offer and we wish them everything of the best as they embark on the next chapter of their rugby careers,' said the Kings chief operating officer Charl Crous.

Crous squashed allegations that star flanker CJ Velleman was moving to Toulon.

'CJ has signed a contract with us until the end of the 2017 season and there is no merit in the rumour that he has signed elsewhere.' 

He also confirmed that Philip du Preez would be moving to French club Mont-de-Marsan, who compete in the Pro D2. However, Crous could not confirm that Schalk Oelofse is also on the club's payroll for next season, as Oelofse is on loan from the SWD Eagles and the contractual negotiations would take place with his home union.

Photo: Mark Tantrum/AFP Photo