NZ Rugby boss Mark Robinson will be mindful of the need to work closely with Super Rugby clubs before the competition format is revamped next year.

TVNZ has reported the reduction in derby games in Super Rugby next year has resulted in a "major faultline" forming between NZ Rugby and the private investors in Kiwi clubs.

The Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders all have private investors who have bought in as licensees to run major operational and marketing functions of the clubs but the Blues no longer have a private licensee because NZ Rugby reacquired the licence last year.

NZ Rugby chairman Brent Impey will be required to keep a watching brief on how Super Rugby clubs reaction to a change in competition format.

Because Super Rugby will be reduced to 14 teams next year - the Sunwolves from Japan will drop out at the end of this season - the conference system will be scrapped and a round robin format will be introduced.

While the simplified structure will be popular with fans, and players will be relieved to not have to play so many intense matches against their fellow New Zealanders, the halving of derby games from four to two is likely to have a negative effect on gate takings.

This is likely to force licensees to have to anticipate a drop in revenues, because the clashes between New Zealand teams traditionally draw the biggest crowds.

TVNZ has reported that because licensees don't receive any money from TV rights, they rely on ticket sales and sponsorships from those marquee matches to bolster their balance sheets and as a consequence are demanding compensation from NZ Rugby to bridge the shortfall.

TVNZ has also stated that it understands NZ Rugby's proposed offer to the licence holders is "unacceptable" and that the club's will supply their feedback on the proposal to NZ Rugby in the next two days.

Licensees want a move to perpetual licenses, reported TVNZ, but feel NZ Rugby is seeking greater control while offering less consultation. Licensees are asking how they can be expected to provide investment if they don't have a say over the crucial components of what they own.

NZ Rugby, the 26 provincial unions and five Super Rugby clubs are currently working together in a joint project to review rugby in New Zealand.

The goal, said NZ Rugby this month, is to set the game up for "sustained success over the next decade".

TVNZ also reported that the announcement of a new Japanese competition beginning as early as next year means NZ Rugby could struggle to retain its best players, which would further undermine a provincial competition that is already struggling to retain players.

There has been a growing trend for Super Rugby players to skip the Mitre 10 Cup to play in Japan, returning to the Sanzaar competition the following season.

Top All Blacks Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock have also been granted sabbaticals to play in Japan. The latter will return to the All Blacks after Super Rugby, but Retallick will spend several seasons in Asia before returning ahead of the 2023 World Cup.