• Southern Kings players are receiving mental health support from the franchise.
• This follows the decision that the PE-based franchise would take no further part in the 2020 season due to financial woes.
• The Kings' director of rugby Robbie Kempson says most of the players are "devastated".

The Southern Kings have called on the help of medical experts to help players deal with mental health issues.

This follows the recent announcement that the Port Elizabeth-based franchise would take no further part in the 2020 season due to financial woes.

The Kings' director of rugby Robbie Kempson told Netwerk24 that most of the players were struggling mentally.

"They are devastated and are, understandably so, dealing with a certain amount of anger," Kempson said.

"Our medical team is working closely with some of their colleagues in the medical field and they are monitoring the players' stress levels daily.

"It is imperative that we put measures in place to help the players handle and get through the current situation."

The Kings' future in the PRO14 also looks uncertain, with recent reports indicating that South Africa's four Super Rugby franchises - the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers - could play in an expanded PRO16.

This could leave the Kings and Cheetahs out in the cold.

- Compiled by Sport24 staff