In January 2009, SARU announced that a new franchise in the Eastern Cape Province would be launched in June of that year to coincide with the arrival of the British & Irish Lions in Port Elizabeth for one of their midweek tour matches.

On 11 November 2009, SANZAR arbitrators awarded the 15th licence to the Melbourne Rebels, with geographical location and commercial value swaying the decision in the Australian franchise's favour.

The Kings made their Super Rugby debut on 23 February 2013, when they played in a Round Two match against Australian side the Force at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

They lost both their matches in New Zealand – against the Crusaders[20] and Hurricanes[21] respectively – but picked up log points in Australia; a try from flanker Cornell du Preez three minutes into injury time and subsequent conversion from Catrakilis helped them secure a 28–all draw against eventual Australian Conference winners the Brumbies in Canberra[22] and they went one better the following week, beating the Rebels 30–27, with a late Wimpie van der Walt try helping them to the win.

[37] On 4 September 2013, SANZAR boss Greg Peters confirmed that South Africa would get a sixth Super Rugby franchise from 2016, as the competition expanded once again.

In exchange, the Eastern Province Kings were guaranteed participation in the 2014 and 2015 Currie Cup competitions,[41] intended to aid the team's preparation for a return to Super Rugby in 2016.

Their return to Super Rugby was beset by financial problems, with players' salaries being paid late in four consecutive months between August and November 2015.

[42] In November 2015, the South African Rugby Union took control of the Southern Kings franchise[43] and revealed an operational plan on 4 December 2015; the plan included the appointment of SWD Eagles coach Deon Davids as the head coach for 2016, the identification of a fully transformed squad that they intended signing and a guarantee to pay the Southern Kings' staff and players.

Their record of six wins and nine losses saw them finish bottom of the Africa 2 Conference, fifth in the South African Group – ahead of local rivals the Bulls and Cheetahs – and 11th overall.

[63] With the team having just four training sessions and no pre-season matches going into the season, they suffered a 10–57 defeat to reigning champions Scarlets,[64] before another loss to Irish side Connacht.

[66] After another home defeat to Italian side Zebre,[67] the Kings embarked on another tour of Europe, but was again whitewashed, losing to the Dragons,[68] Benetton[69] and Glasgow Warriors.

[79] The Southern Kings started their run of five consecutive home matches to end the season in spectacular fashion, beating Welsh side the Dragons 45–13 to record their first ever win in the competition.

In addition, Isuzu partnered with a consortium of black business people to purchase equity in the Southern Kings, making the team the first black-owned rugby franchise in South Africa.

They returned to Port Elizabeth to suffer a 7–28 defeat to Ulster,[88] but bounced back in their next match, beating Scottish side Glasgow Warriors 38–28 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

[89] The Southern Kings full playing record in all competitions are: The Final squad was:[90] Props Hookers Locks Loose forwards Scrum-halves Fly-halves Centres Wingers Fullbacks The following coaching team was announced for the 2019–20 Pro14 season: