Representatives of Border Rugby Union, Eastern Province Rugby and the South Western Districts Rugby Union have formally concluded and signed a co-operation agreement to form a Super Rugby team.

The region was granted a Super Rugby franchise by SARU as part of its strategy to transform and grow the game of rugby in South Africa, and this latest step was reached earlier this week in Port Elizabeth.

The co-operation agreement regulates the relationship, rights and obligations of the Southern Kings franchise partners in the period leading up to and during participation in the Super Rugby competition from 2013.

In terms of the agreement, the primary responsibility for the management and operation of the franchise business rests with Eastern Province Rugby. The Southern Kings team will therefore be based in Port Elizabeth, and all Super Rugby competition home fixtures will be played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Whenever possible, pre-season friendlies and other non-fixture matches involving the Southern Kings will be played in East London and George. Players from all three provinces will be included in the Southern Kings squad at all times.

Regan Hoskins, President of SARU, said he was delighted with the successful conclusion of the co-operation agreement between the three parties.

"The agreement is another major step in our overall aim to bring top-class rugby to the Eastern Cape region. This now paves the way for even greater co-operation between the three unions, which in turn will benefit the growth and development of rugby in these areas," said Hoskins.

"I want to thank the presidents of the three provincial unions as well as the SARU task team which facilitated this important process," he added.

This development comes at a time when Tri-Nations Test rugby and the hugely popular SA Sevens tournament come to the Eastern Cape for the first time later this year, which will provide local enthusiasts with a feast of top international rugby entertainment, and a much-needed boost for the local economy.