The EP Kings are once again urgently addressing issues related to delays in player payments, CRAIG LEWIS reports.

At the end of July, EP Kings players were said to have been fully paid out and compensated after finally receiving overdue salary payments, with extensive meetings having taken place to address the problems revolving around unpaid wages.

However, similar issues appear to have arisen again with regard to August’s salaries, and chief executive Charl Crous said the matter was being tackled.

‘I’m heading into a meeting with Mr Watson [Kings president Cheeky Watson] regarding that,’ he told SARugbymag.co.za on Tuesday. ‘There has been some delay in payments coming in, but we’re working on that at the moment and I’m confident it will be resolved.’

The Kings players are believed to have gone on strike, although Crous said he had received no communication in that regard.

South African Rugby Players' Association chief executive Piet Heymans said they were looking into the matter.

‘We’ve heard some rumours of this, but we’re waiting to get feedback from the Kings, and will be better placed to discuss the matter once that has happened.’

A meeting between Sarpa representatives and Kings players to discuss the non-payment of their salaries has been scheduled for Thursday.

However, Watson downplayed the nature of the crisis talks. 'The salaries will be sorted out in the next 24 hours,' he told The Herald.

Two Kings players who were contacted refused to comment.

The Kings' next Currie Cup fixture is against the Golden Lions this Saturday.

Photo: Michael Sheehan/BackpagePix