The Australian Rugby Union's broadcast partner, Fox, could determine whether an Aussie franchise is cut from Super Rugby.

Sanzaar is set to reduce the number of teams in Super Rugby from 18 to 15. New Zealand Rugby has already cleared the proposed changes with Sky Sport New Zealand, as you would expect, considering no Kiwi franchise will be culled. Two South African franchises are set to be axed – most likely the Kings and Cheetahs – but this is unlikely to pose a problem for SuperSport.

However, as the New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul reports, the ARU's broadcast partner, Fox, may not be so willing to accept the changes without a renegotiation on price. Taking less money is not an option for the ARU.

It now appears that the Perth-based Force will be the Australian franchise to be dropped from the competition, as they are bankrolled mostly by the ARU, and the Rebels have a private owner.

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An announcement about the future of Super Rugby will be made early next week, but only if the broadcast situation in Australia has been resolved. It hasn't been yet, according to a statement released by the ARU.

'As announced by Sanzaar following the Sanzaar board meeting in London earlier this month, the four member nations have undertaken a period of stakeholder consultation to work towards an agreed outcome on the competition format for the 2018 season. This stakeholder consultation, which has included consultation with broadcast partners in each territory, is ongoing. At this point, there has been no determination on the future competition format or the teams involved in the competition.

'We also wish to confirm for the public record that no decision has been taken on the removal of one of Australia's Super Rugby teams. ARU, as a joint venture partner of Sanzaar, is working towards a final resolution in the shortest timeframe possible and will inform rugby fans as soon as an outcome is reached.'

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