An agonising few weeks loom for two South African and one Australian Super Rugby team, but the competition's governing body insists it was a case of cull or collapse.
SANZAAR Chief Executive Officer Andy Marinos says the decision is to return to 15 teams next year.
Marinos adds that the inclusion of more teams is not working and caused a vast decrease to the viewership and attendance.
The Port Elizabeth‑based Southern Kings returned to Super Rugby in 2016 but their future in the 2018 competition has been thrown into doubt.
SANZAAR confirmed that the two teams most under threat are the Western Force and Southern Kings.
SANZAAR, now face the nightmare decision on which sides to chop, with the Force, Kings and Cheetahs the likely losers.
The Sunwolves, who in a timely result toppled the Bulls at the weekend, will join the Australian conference in 2018 and the Jaguares will join the four South African sides.
New Zealand's five teams will make up a third conference, with each playing a home and away series which means a return to a full set of local derbies.
Meanwhile after round 7, the Stormers went to the top of the Overall Standings after defeating the Chiefs over the weekend with 26 points, the Crusaders are in second place with 26 points, the Lions are in third place with 23 points while the Brumbies currently sit in fourth place with 16 points.
This week, the Crusaders will face the Sunwolves at 7.35pm Friday.
On Saturday, the Reds will take on the Kings at 5.05pm, the Blues will face the Hurricanes at 7.35pm while the Rebels will take on the Brumbies at 9.45pm.
The Chiefs play the Cheetahs at 1.05am Sunday.
Source: stuff.co
