South African weekly newspaper, Rapport, on Sunday reported that the competition could be reduced from 18 teams to 16 teams in 2018.

Reports suggest that the lowest ranked South Africa and Australian teams in 2017 could get the boot for next years competition.

Southern Hemisphere rugby governing body SANZAAR would supposedly meet later in this year to discuss the format for next years competition.

The tournament was expanded from 15 to 18 teams from the 2016 season, with South Africa’s Southern Kings, Argentina’s Jaguares and Japan’s Sunwolves added to the mix.

The current structure of the competition has come under scrutiny.

There were some major mismatches as well as criticism of a conference system which allowed home advantage in the playoffs to some teams despite them having worse records than others.

SANZAAR chief executive Andy Marinos said last year that changes could be on the cards for the competition structure in future.

Keep your eye on The Locker Room for further developments, also follow @ofmsport on Twitter.