The Super rugby competition is set to move to a four conference, 18 team competition from 2016 but hopes of a team from or representing the Pacific have again been dashed.
The major changes will be made in South Africa with their six teams, including the recalled Southern Kings, put in two pools with a new Argentine team and another side yet to be confirmed.
The chief executive of New Zealand Rugby Steve Tew says there has been some interest shown from the likes of Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and the West Coast of the United States.
He says any new team would have to have strong financial backing, a suitable venue and be able to put a competitive team on the paddock without stacking it with New Zealanders.
