Super Rugby expansion complete

Two more teams will be added to Super Rugby from 2016 - from Argentina and Japan. Photo / Richard Robinson

Super Rugby's expansion to 18 teams from 2016 is officially complete with Sanzar formally confirming the participation of the Japan Rugby Football Union and Union Argentina de Rugby at an executive committee meeting in London today.

The confirmation is the final stage of formalities and paves the way for the Tokyo and Buenos Aires-based franchises to start contracting players and staff ahead of their historic entry to Super Rugby in a little over 12 months from now.

Sanzar chief executive Greg Peters said: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome the JRFU and UAR who will join the Kings from South Africa as Super Rugby prepares to expand into a bold and exciting new era.

"As top-10 ranked rugby nations with established high performance level leagues and over 100,000 players each, there is no doubt as to Japan and Argentina's rugby readiness and passion for the sport."

Tatsuzo Yabe, chairman of the JRFU added: "It is absolutely essential for us to participate in the competition as we move toward a successful Rugby World Cup here in 2019.

"We are also convinced that participating in Super Rugby will encourage greater interest in our domestic rugby and it will become a big dream and goal for those who play rugby in Japan - especially younger generations - to compete at this level."

The JRFU has also forged a relationship with the Singapore Rugby Union and Singapore Sports Hub that will see the state-of-the-art venue host three games per year, delivering Super Rugby to new Asian audiences.

Carlos Araujo, President of UAR said: "We now face a huge challenge both on the sporting and organisational fronts. Ahead of us we have six very enjoyable years, first with Rugby World Cup and then this opportunity to enjoy our teams in the Southern Hemisphere elite, playing in Super Rugby and The Rugby Championship."

Both the Japanese and Argentinean teams will play in the South African group and will be positioned in opposing conferences.

The final composition of these conferences are subject to approval by South African Rugby Union's general council.