The Southern Kings are officially out of Super Rugby.
However, in a statement on Friday EPRU boss Andre' Rademan said; "We now have a chance to test ourselves against other opposition."
According to the SA Rugby Union statement the Southern Kings will explore multiple other international competition opportunities and an announcement on those opportunities is expected shortly.
Rademan said; "Its been a roller coaster ride for the franchise for a number of seasons but there is now a clear and viable way forward for rugby in the Eastern Cape to build on the foundations that have been laid - particularly in the past season."
"We have enjoyed Vodacom Super Rugby but the chance to test ourselves against different opposition in different conditions is a mouth-watering one. We are therefore not opposed to joining new competitions. With all stakeholders pulling in the same direction we can bring success and excitement to rugby in the Eastern Cape," Rademan said.
The announcement was made just before a Special General Meeting of SA Rugby in Cape Town to formally confirm South Africa's four participants in the competition in line with a SANZAAR decision to reduce the competition's participants from 18 to 15 teams from next season.
SARU said the new structure would comprise four teams from South Africa (Stormers, Sharks, Lions, Bulls), five from New Zealand, four from Australia and one each from Argentina and Japan.
The Toyota Cheetahs meanwhile have opted for a settlement with SA Rugby regarding their Vodacom Super Rugby Participation Agreement.
SARU said the Toyota Cheetahs did not take part in the criteria process as they had an agreement in place till 2020, but the Board of the Cheetahs have decided on an amicable settlement with SA Rugby.
"This will allow the Toyota Cheetahs to explore other international competition opportunities", according to Harold Verster, CEO of the Toyota Cheetahs.
The BBC meanwhile reported that Kings and the Cheetahs were "set to join" an expanded Pro12 league in the UK, as early as September.
They will join teams from Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy in a 14-team league.
The new format is set to start for the 2017-2018 season.
