Former Lions centre Howard Mnisi has left the franchise to join the Kings ahead of the 2019-20 Pro14 season. DYLAN JACK reports.

The 29-year-old, who has been struggling over the past two seasons with a recurring knee injury, has moved to Port Elizabeth after not being included in the Lions’ Vodacom Super Rugby squad this year.

Kings high-performance director Robbie Kempson confirmed the signing on Thursday morning.

Mnisi will bring plenty of experience to the Kings’ midfield, having been part of the Lions teams that made the Super Rugby final in 2017 and 2018, while also playing for the South Africa A team against the English Saxons in 2016.

He will join former Sharks flyhalf Courtney Winnaar and Jersey Reds lock Jerry Sexton as fresh faces to the squad next season.

Photo: Anne Laing