The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has relegated the Johannesburg-based Lions from the Super Rugby competition to make way for new side the Southern Kings.

SARU officials voted 26-3 in Cape Town to promote the Eastern Cape-based Kings and relegate the Lions, who finished last in this year’s tournament.

The Sharks, who finished runners-up this season to the Chiefs of New Zealand, semi-finalists the Stormers, three-time champions the Bulls and the improving Cheetahs retain their status as South Africa’s other franchises in the 15-team competition.

The decision followed months of speculation that included the Lions joining forces with another franchise and the Kings being paid to delay their elevation to the competition.

There has been political pressure for many years to promote the Kings, who are expected to play their matches at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth.

Eastern Cape boasts the largest number of black rugby players in the country and officials from the ruling ANC party have expressed unhappiness at what they believed was the neglect of the sport in the region.

New Zealander Matt Sexton was named coach of the Kings last April, but the Currie Cup second-tier leaders have not announced any major signings ahead of the big step-up to Super 15 fare.