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SANZAAR (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina Rugby) – the body which operates Super Rugby and The Rugby Championship – has reportedly decided to axe the only Asian-based franchise in Super Rugby.

The Sunwolves, who hail from the third largest economy in the world is expected to be discontinued indefinitely as of 2020.

Japan, with 122,368 registered rugby union players, are just not worth it – that’s according to the same people who decided to shut down a brief Perth franchise that got more fans to their games than Melbourne ever will.

It is not yet known if there will be another multi-million dollar franchise created to fill the void that will be left in the Super Rugby by the Sunwolves, but as SANZAAR has proven time and time again, if it sounds like a weird and poorly thought out idea – it will most likely become a reality.

If another team is created, rugby fans have been told to expect something really random like Uruguay or East Timor, who will also inevitably be booted from the moment they start winning some games.

The captive footballing nation is also set to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which will be kicking off in six months.

Sanzaar has since advised they will issue the statement 4pm on Friday. It is understood the statement will relate to the Sunwolves future.