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The Southern Kings could have their first taste of professional rugby if they are added to next year's Currie Cup competition in preparation for the 2011 Super Rugby tournament.

The South African Rugby Union has roiled out a "rugby plan" for the Eastern Cape region which will facilitate their transition into a Super Rugby franchise.
 
Representatives of Border, Eastern Province, SARU, provincial government and commercial agents agreed on a pathway to prepare the franchise for inclusion in Super Rugby, after a meeting was held last weekend.
 
The meeting was chaired by Mark Alexander, deputy president of the South African Rugby Union, who stressed the importance of securing sponsorship for the new franchise.

"We have sketched out a road map to get the Franchise up and running and competitive on the rugby field," said Alexander.

"We have the unanimous support of all the concerned provinces and of provincial government and the committee’s task is to deliver on our objectives.
 
"Obviously the key to the success of the project is dependent on funding and our commercial agents will be going out into the market to talk to corporate South Africa about this exciting proposition in a key area of rugby development."

The Eastern Cape action plan comprises:
 
* A 12-person committee will be established to oversee the establishment of the franchise, featuring two representatives from each of Eastern Province, Border, South Western Districts, Provincial Government, SARU and two independents;
 
* A coach will be appointed in July with a view to player recruitment for the 2010 season;
 
* The SARU President’s Council will be approached and sponsor ABSA canvassed regarding the possibility of the inclusion of the SE Cape team in the 2010 Currie Cup;
 
* A programme of matches against international opponents will be arranged during the 2010 Super 14 and Vodacom Cup season to help prepare the new franchise;
 
The new franchise’s president and CEO will be drawn from Eastern Province and the deputy president from Border.