World Series Rugby has undergone another name change and will be called Global Rapid Rugby when the $1 million tournament kicks off next season.

It is understood the radical move came after talks with governing body World Rugby because of the similarity to their title.

WR is also considering using a similar name for its new planned international 12-team tournament.

The newly-named GRR, bankrolled by mining magnate Andrew Forrest, has morphed from the original title of Indo-Pacific Rugby, through Asia-Pacific Rugby to World Series Rugby, the seven invitational games played last season by the Western Force.

The final make-up of the new competition is getting closer.

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"Like the competition itself, the final make-up of the teams and countries that will play Rapid Rugby in 2019 continues to evolve,” they say on a new website.

"A team from Hawaii was the first to commit, alongside the Western Force in Perth and Hong Kong Rugby. Singapore, Malaysia, and Fiji are also likely to be represented.”

It is understood talks are still taking place with two Japanese teams.

“Our rugby revolution is picking up pace – literally,” the website says.

"Global Rapid Rugby has been unveiled as the title of the fast-paced, free-scoring, full-on festival about to take the Asia Pacific region by storm.

"The 2019 competition will include eight teams from six countries across the Asia Pacific region and will be gradually expanded to add further teams from the region in 2020 and beyond."

Forrest described it as a brilliant new name for a brave new beginning.

“Rapid Rugby is the perfect name that speaks directly to what we will deliver in 2019 and beyond – a dynamic sports and entertainment concept,” Forrest said.

“We are working hard on taking the success of the 2018 series in Perth and super-charging it for the Asia Pacific region.

“I am confident it’s going to be even more innovative and exciting than what people experienced this year.

“Our team continues to work alongside the sport’s governing body, World Rugby, to develop new rules that will make our brand even more appealing. Their input is obviously invaluable.”

World Series Rugby representatives were recently in Monaco selling the new concept at Sportel, a major international marketing and media sporting convention.

WR's executive committee has recommended approval of the new competition to its full council for rubber-stamping, subject to regulatory and governance criteria, when it meets next week.