Cheetahs and Southern Kings' inclusion in Pro 12 to be finalised next week

The confirmation on the addition of South African teams Southern Kings and Cheetahs to the Pro 12 league is set to be confirmed on 18th July when the board members meet in Dublin.

This will also mean the two teams will feature in the Super Rugby tournament for one last time on Friday when they meet each other in Port Elizabeth.

The inclusion of two more teams will see the Pro 12 league divided into two conference, if approved, with each team playing home and away with sides in their own group while also locking horns with teams from other conference at least once.

Meanwhile, SANZAAR has also announced reduction of Super Rugby teams to 15 from 18 next season with a team in Australia Conference is also about to be excluded apart from the two South African teams.

Both Kings and Cheetahs are set to play their home games in United Kingdom with Saracens' Allianz Park being discussed as a potential venue.

The last time Pro 12 went for a revamp was in 2010 when Italian sides were added to the league but there is uncertainty over their future with Pro12 managing director Martin Anayi meeting their bosses in Rome this week.