Due to the lack of domestic rugby because of the global Covid-19 pandemic, SA Rugby, has proposed an eight-team, double-round Currie Cup.

This will include the Kings, who normally play in the 1st division.

The other teams expected to play in the Currie Cup are the Toyota Cheetahs, Bulls, Lions, Sharks, Stormers, Griquas and Pumas.

The former University of the Free State Shimlas lock, Astle, told OFM Sport that it's important to play in the premier division and to do well.

"It's definitely imperative for the Southern Kings as a brand to be involved in top-flight rugby in South Africa.

"Not just being involved, but actually doing well. It's been a few years where the Kings have been struggling and being on the backburner a little bit.

"It is time to make a step-up and make it count. Hopefully, we will get another opportunity to do that with the Currie Cup.

"The guys have been training really hard. We are still a young squad, but hopefully, we can prove ourselves in the upcoming Currie Cup sooner rather than later.

"The guys are just really keen to get back onto the field after what has been a tough five months without a game."

Both the Cheetahs and the Kings are fighting for survival in the Guinness PRO14 as the South African Super Rugby teams could be heading to the northern hemisphere as the expenses of the team from Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth.

It is expected that the Currie Cup will kick-off at the latest in the second week of September.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport