Rugby: Cheetahs and Kings officially kicked out of Super Rugby

The Cheetahs and the Kings will both be cut from Super Rugby. Photo / Getty

The cuts have officially begun in Super Rugby, with the Cheetahs and Kings being chopped by the South Africa Rugby Union.

The SARU had agreed to cut two sides from Super Rugby, as a result of the SANZAAR decision to reduce the competition's participants from 18 to 15 teams from next season.

After a long decision-making process, the Cheetahs and the Kings were the teams to go, with the Cheetahs requiring a financial settlement due to having a deal in place until 2020.

Both sides could now reportedly join an expanded version of the European Pro 12 league.

One Australian team remains to be cut from Super Rugby, with the Australian Rugby Union having to decide between booting either the Force or the Rebels.

However, both the Force and the Rebels are prepared to fight the decision in court if they are cut.

The 2018 competition will consist of four teams from South Africa, five from New Zealand, four from Australia and one each from Argentina and Japan.