BREAKING: Super Rugby side may be about to join the PRO12

Two South African franchises will be cut from Super Rugby from 2018, amid a downsizing of the competition.

Cheetahs and the Port Elizabeth-based Kings are widely expected to lose their Super Rugby status.

This speculation is thought to have prompted an invitation from the Pro12 - the league has explored options for expansion in North America and other parts of Europe, as it aims to generate more revenue and tap into new markets.