Super Rugby's governing body has announced that Japan's Sunwolves will be cut from the competition at the end of the 2020 season.
SANZAAR said in a statement Friday that "following a substantial review of Super Rugby over the last 18 months via a strategic planning process" it plans to have a 14-team, round-robin format.
The revised format will come into operation in 2021, leaving the Tokyo-based Sunwolves gone after the 2020 season, which will be their fifth in the competition.
Dan Pryor of Sunwolves, center, holds the ball during their Super Rugby match against Reds in Tokyo, Saturday, March 16, 2019. (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)
SANZAAR chief executive Andy Marinos said "the decision to further consolidate the competition format to a 14-team round-robin was not taken lightly. It has involved some detailed analysis and a thorough review of the current and future rugby landscape, tournament costs, commercial and broadcast considerations and player welfare."
The 14 teams in Super Rugby will include five from New Zealand, four each from South Africa and Australia and the Jaguares from Argentina.
The Sunwolves have won only seven of their 43 matches since joining the competition in 2016. The news comes as Japan prepares to host the Rugby World Cup later this year.
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