Cape Town - Super Rugby is poised to move forward with a FOUR-conference model in 2016 - with two based in South Africa, including Argentinian and Asian teams.
Australian Rugby Union (ARU) boss Bill Pulver revealed the news to the Sydney Morning Herald website on Wednesday.
He said the announcement of an expanded and restructured model to be taken to broadcasters is only a fortnight away.
It would see the competition increased to 18 teams from 2016, with the Australian and New Zealand conferences to remain the same.
Australia's five teams would play two less "local derby" matches in a 15-game regular season, but would strengthen their ANZAC ties by increasing their four matches against Kiwi rivals to five.
However, significant changes will be made in South Africa with their six teams, including the recalled Southern Kings, put in two pools with a new Argentine team and a final side, likely to come from Asia.
Those two four-team conferences - including an overseas expansion team in each - will only face one of the two Australasian conferences each year, which reduces fears of an increase in travel.
South Africa made it clear that they want six teams and due to them providing almost half of the broadcast revenue, governing body SANZAR has been left with no choice but to bow to SA's commands.
Exact details of the tournament would be finalised over the next couple of weeks, according to Pulver.
Australian Rugby Union (ARU) boss Bill Pulver revealed the news to the Sydney Morning Herald website on Wednesday.
He said the announcement of an expanded and restructured model to be taken to broadcasters is only a fortnight away.
It would see the competition increased to 18 teams from 2016, with the Australian and New Zealand conferences to remain the same.
Australia's five teams would play two less "local derby" matches in a 15-game regular season, but would strengthen their ANZAC ties by increasing their four matches against Kiwi rivals to five.
However, significant changes will be made in South Africa with their six teams, including the recalled Southern Kings, put in two pools with a new Argentine team and a final side, likely to come from Asia.
Those two four-team conferences - including an overseas expansion team in each - will only face one of the two Australasian conferences each year, which reduces fears of an increase in travel.
South Africa made it clear that they want six teams and due to them providing almost half of the broadcast revenue, governing body SANZAR has been left with no choice but to bow to SA's commands.
Exact details of the tournament would be finalised over the next couple of weeks, according to Pulver.