While we are yet to hear anything definitive from SARU regarding the Lions-v-Kings decision, it appears that a number of players seem to have already decided that Super Rugby will definitely come to the Bay next year – and that they want to be part of it!
We reported on Tuesday that Tukkies flyhalf Wes Dunlop has opted to return to his roots in the Eastern Cape, in the hope of a better shot at Super Rugby game time than he would be afforded behind Morne Steyn and Louis Fouche in Pretoria. Lions utility back Michael Killian, who played for EP in 58 matches between 2004 and 2007, has opted to jump the sinking Lions ship and return to the province of his birth.
Killian, who joined the Lions in 2008 and has been quite successful, playing mostly on the wing and scoring plenty of tries, has confirmed that he will be available to the Kings from July for the Currie Cup.
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Ans so it starts.
I wonder if there are some violinists standing in the coke tin’s reception, playing away while the ship sinks…
That is not good news for the Lions
We still have all our players that beat the Sharks last weekend . so not getting to excited yet …
@Zibbie (Comment 3) : I hope the star players like Elton, Taute and co are tied down with good contracts. I can see the Kings headhunting the likes of Elton
@Zibbie (Comment 3) : I think the key here is, we still have the coach who allowed you to beat us last weekend as well so don`t worry, we won`t get our hopes up yet Zibbie!
Just hope Killian have something left in the tank, he prob played his best rugby 2 seasons ago, struggling with some injuries, happy for Killian and Kings
@Bokhoring (Comment 4) :
as far as i understand Taute is signed till next season (What thats worth is up for debate)
I also heard Elton extended his contract till next year and then i heard he didnt . So im not sure about him ..
@Original Pierre (Comment 5) :
excuses excuses
As I speculated rthe other day I think there will be a back and forth flow of players between the Lions and the Kings over the next few years. Local Eastern Cape guys with potential can still look to the Sharks a crack at breaking in to the big time.
The Lions must be concerned.
I dont know how many times ive read on this site that Killian is an average player ..
I think he had a great CC but so far a not so great Super rugby season .
Im sad to see Killian leave . But he is already 29 . getting on in age . I hope the Lions can focus on younger players like Volminck and Coetzee . On the other hand it is experience lost so cant be a too good thing also .
All is not lost (Yet ?)
@Zibbie (Comment 10) : I believe that Mitchell has made it quite clear this year that he doesn’t rate him – so easy decision for Killian. i thought he had a great CC in 2011 – good luck to him
@steve (Comment 11) :
Well . Last year Mitch dropped players Like Taute and Jantjies . All the Lions supporters freaked out . But they proved themselves and are back in the team . So i dont know .
i Agree he had a good CC 2011 . Was hoping for more from him for SR 2012 . But good luck to him
@Zibbie (Comment 12) :
Agree I thought he did well in CC but i understand the decision to let him leave as he is around 29 and has been struggling with injuries/form. I dont think he is anything more than a steady squad player with lightning speed, and I think Volminck proved against us that he is an exciting prospect and probably a better investment going forward. Nonetheless Killian is a decent acquisition for the Kings.
@Zibbie (Comment 10) :
@Pat (Comment 13) :
HEY
I also remember Mitchell stating that Killian was not part of his plans and not to HIS standards.
R I P
LIONS YOUR DAY HAS 
COME.BIG TIME RUGBY IN THE EASTERN CAPE AGAIN.
@pete69 (Comment 16) :
Big time rugby again..
When was there ever Bigtime rugby in the EC ..
All the best to Killian and thanks for your services.
@csb (Comment 17) :
a long long time ago .. in a galaxy far far away …
WAIT .. if all the Lions are moving to PE that means next year the Sharks will be loosing to the Kings ? i might reconsider not liking the Kings …
@Zibbie (Comment 19) :
Perhaps Plumtree is gone by then …
@Bokhoring (Comment 4) : I think most top players have an out written into their contract, if the Lions fall out of Super rugby.
not IF the lions fall.they are gone.