Fate of Super teams imminent

The future of rugby's flagship Southern Hemisphere franchise tournament will be outlined "in the coming days once these further meetings have been concluded," SANZAAR boss Andy Marinos said in a statement.

The executive committee of SANZAAR, which runs Super Rugby, has been debating the future of the tournament at a two-day meeting in London. 

It was widely expected to trim the number of teams from 18 to 15, amid an outcry from teams that they should be consulted in the process, and Marinos said that would now take place. 

"Following two days of robust discussion there are a number of tournament considerations that now require further discussion and consultation," he said.

"This includes final consultation within the national unions and discussion with key stakeholders that would allow the adoption of changes proposed by the strategic plan." 

Among formats being looked at were trimming the competition from the current 18 teams to either 15 or 16 with sides from Australia and South Africa to be cut. 

Agence France-Presse