The Super 14 rugby competition will be expanded to 15 teams from 2011 and feature more local derbies under a compromise plan unveiled by the SANZAR partners.
Under the agreed proposal, which still has to be approved by broadcasters next month, the 15 teams will be split into three conferences, one in each country.
The three conference winners will qualify for the finals along with three wildcards - the highest points scoring teams from the rest.
The 15th team will be decided by tender but will have to play in the Australian conference.
The season will be expanded from 14 to 24 weeks, starting in late February and ending in August, except in World Cup years when everything will move forward.
