The Super Rugby expansion is turning into an embarrassing mess with South Africa's financially troubled Kings reported to be facing a player strike.
An anonymous employee has also detailed the personal hardships the players are facing after months of failing to receive their salaries.
With the new Japanese franchise also battling to impress, and general criticism of a complicated competition structure, the 2016 expansion could hardly be in worse shape.
The South African Rugby Union is now administering the Kings because of their financial plight. The Kings financial disaster was highlighted this year when former All Black Carlos Spencer quit his coaching post, saying he was owed a heap of money. Captain Tim Whitehead also walked for the same reason, despite not having a new job to go to.
"These problems have been going on for a while, and it's been really tough for everyone affected," Whitehead told SARugbymag.
"You just get to the point when enough is enough and you've got to make a difficult decision."
The anonymous staff member made a statement to the Pundit Arena website, saying players were living off $100 a month, leading to evictions from their homes and marriage breakdowns.
"All Kings players and a staff owed up to four months salary will have no temporary solution to receiving their owed salary. The harsh reality is that players are being evicted, collecting £50 food vouchers per month and there have been marriages divorced.
"The business and management have ruined not only the careers but the lives of players and staff, and even fans' opportunity to support a much loved team.
"Throughout all this the players and staff have continued working unofficially. Those who can get to the stadium would go about their work - players doing a pre-season unpaid."
Super XV Rugby reported that 30 players will strike unless the money owed to them is not paid by the end of next week. Rugby365 quote players spokesman Lubabalo Mpongoshe saying the players were not happy with the South african Rugby Union's handling of the disaster.
They were upset about a plan to sevens and under-20 players to make up most of the squad, leaving most of the current players out.
Players who did not make it into the Super Rugby squad would have to rely on the "near bankrupt EPRU" for an income. SARU last week revealed a new Kings management structure with an unheralded academy coach Deon Davids as head coach.
"We are unable to go into all the player details right now as we still have to confirm some contracts and tie up loan arrangements but, considering when we started and from what base, I am very pleased with where we have come," SARU CEO Jurie Roux said in a press release.
