Cut in super rugby teams

Fewer Super rugby teams but larger squads needed

Under the new 15-team, three conference format, franchises will play 16 regular season matches with eight of those being against teams within their conference - that means home and away matches for the five NZ franchises.

The New Zealand derbies have been a highlight of the competition and Kirwan says while more local matches is good, they take a much greater toll on the players.