Franklin injury blow as Kings get set for opener

SOUTHERN Kings hooker Hannes Franklin is set to miss the start of the Super Rugby season next month.

Franklin injured his knee during a training session and there is a chance he could be sidelined for as long as eight weeks.

The rugged hooker was a key member of the Kings team when they won the Currie Cup First Division title last season

Lock Darron Nell has also suffered a knee injury during training but he is expected to be out for only three weeks.

Kings director of rugby Alan Solomons said it looked as if Franklin would be out for between six to 12 weeks, after tearing the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during a training session.