Premiership Rugby is investigating the possibility of inviting South African teams into the Anglo-Welsh Cup, Sky sources understand.
The option of introducing clubs - most likely from the second tier Currie Cup - to compete in an expanded tournament is among a number of potential changes that are set to be discussed.
The format of the cup competition, which currently features the 12 English Premiership clubs and the four Welsh regions, is expected to change and is most likely to be expanded for the 2019-2020 season.
It could be scheduled for the international windows in November along with February and March.
Earlier this month it was announced that two of South Africa's six teams will be cut from Super Rugby as the competition is reduced from 18 teams to 15.
The competition expanded to 18 teams last year with South Africa's Southern Kings, Argentina's Jaguares and Japan's Sunwolves introduced. Jaguares and Sunwolves will retain their places for 2018.