South Africa to decide which teams will be axed from Super Rugby

The South African Rugby Union has called a special meeting for July 7 to decide which two of its six teams will be dropped from Super Rugby.

The number of South Africa sides will be cut to four as the tournament is reduced from 18 teams to 15 after criticism from broadcasters over the quality of the product in its present form.

The decision by SA Rugby will be made at a special general meeting to be hosted in Cape Town, with the Cheetahs and Southern Kings expected to be the teams axed.

Reports emerged this week that the Cheetahs' proposal to join the Guinness PRO12 has already been met with a favourable response from SA Rugby.

There have been no indications yet that the Kings are set to apply for the same competition.

SA Rugby's Franchise Committee, which is made up of representatives of the six teams that are currently competing in the 2017 Super Rugby season, will make a recommendation on which sides should be dropped to the Executive Council.

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That proposal will also be discussed by the non-franchise committee, which contains the CEOs of South Africa's 14 provincial unions.

The executive council will then table a proposal at the special general meeting, where it is highly likely to be ratified without debate.

Australia will also have a team cut from Super Rugby. The Western Force and the Rebels are the teams reportedly under threat.