The competition is set to be reduced from 18 to 16 teams with the Force, Rebels and Brumbies enduring a nervous wait following SANZAAR’s meeting in London last Friday.

New Zealand Rugby reportedly pushed for a reduction in poorly performing South African and Australian sides.

“All I can say is that we are safe,” Verster said.

“I keep my ear to the ground.

“There is much discussion about the current series and the format and two teams of South Africa and a team of Australia (getting culled).

“There was even speculation that we would return to a Super 12, but my information is that we are going to be reduced from the current 18 to 16 teams, which means the Cheetahs are safe.”

The same cannot be said for all Aussie sides, particularly the Force and Rebels.

“Following two days of robust discussion there are a number of tournament considerations that now require further discussion and consultation,” SANZAAR’s South African chief executive Andy Marinos said in a statement on Saturday.

“SANZAAR will make a formal statement on the future of the organisation, Super Rugby and the tournament format in the coming days once these further meetings have been concluded.”