"It's likely to be a four-conference model and this will be finalised in the next couple of weeks. "
It is believed that in the new tournament, New Zealand sides will be asked to play each team in their own conference once and all five teams in the Australian conference. They will then play an additional two games within their own conference and then against each team in one of the Western Conferences.
They will play against the other African conference the next year. In total each team will play 15 games.
The Western Division teams will play everyone in their division once, then will play again every team in their conference. They will then play against either every team in the Australian conference or every team in the New Zealand conference - alternating the following year.
The new competition will be one week shorter than the current version and is therefore expected to start one week later. If the June test window can be shifted to July then it will likely start in early March and run - without a break - to late July.
Reports have suggested that there is a desire to include a new team from Asia in the Western Conference but it is thought highly unlikely - with player welfare such a priority - that the African players would be keen to have to travel there for a one-off game.
The possibility of setting up the 18th franchise in southern Spain is being explored but it is thought that a seventh African side is the most likely outcome.
The playoff structure is still being worked out.
Super Rugby structure example:
Eastern Division
Australian Conference
Brumbies
Reds
Waratahs
Rebels
Force
New Zealand Conference
Blues
Chiefs
Hurricanes
Crusaders
Highlanders
Western Division
South African Conference A
Bulls
Stormers
Kings
Argentina based team
South African Conference B
Sharks
Lions
Cheetahs
Team to be announced
