The Southern Kings are looking "far and wide" for players to make them competitive when they debut in Super Rugby next year.

Kings President Cheeky Watson told this website in an interview that they are planning a "formal announcement" for next Wednesday, when they will reveal the first batch of signings.

However, he declined to comment on specific players - despite ongoing rumours linking high-profile players like Andries Strauss (Cheetahs), Steven Sykes (Sharks) and Dimitri Catrikilis (Western Province) to the Kings.

"I can't comment," Watson told this website, when asked about reports that Strauss has already signed with the Kings.

"We have franchise partners we have to speak to," he added.

However, he admitted that there is a lot of recruiting going on, both domestically and internationally.

"We are looking far and wide," Watson said, when asked if that recruiting includes Argentina.

"We are also looking for tall locks in Japan," the Kings boss quipped.

However, on a more serious note, he admitted that the recruitment drive is in full swing, but there will be no confirmation of any names before next Wednesday.

"There are lots of rumours around," Watson said, adding: "Like the rumours that we were in Super Rugby, out Super Rugby, on the sideline of Super Rugby, playing in the Heineken Cup ... you know what these rumours are like."

Strauss on Thursday became the latest player linked to the Kings. Most reports have it as fact that he has signed to move to Port Elizabeth in 2013.

This website has it on good authority that Sykes have also signed on the dotted line and that his contract is already in PE.

WP are determined to hold onto Catrikilis, but this website believes they will be unable to match the Kings' offer and he will join the influx of high-profile players joining the Kings.

There are rumours of players from Argentine and New Zealand being lined up as well.

By Jan de Koning