Kings, Cheetahs Reach Agreement With South African Rugby Union, Set To Join Pro12

South African rugby sides Cheetahs and Southern Kings "moved a step closer to joining the Pro12 by agreeing their departure from Super Rugby," according to the BBC. Both sides are free "to explore other international opportunities" after reaching an agreement with the South African Rugby Union. Super Rugby will be cut from 18 to 15 teams next season, with the exit of one Australian and two South African sides. A special SA Rugby general meeting in Cape Town on Friday formally announced South Africa's four participants in Super Rugby next season. As well as the four teams from South Africa -- the Sharks, Lions, Bulls and Stormers -- "the restructured competition will comprise five from New Zealand, four from Australia and one each from Argentina and Japan." The Cheetahs "opted for a settlement with SA Rugby despite having an agreement in place" to play until '20 (BBC, 7/7).