The PRO12 have confirmed they are in 'advanced negotiations' with former South African Super Rugby pair the Cheetahs and Southern Kings about joining the league.
After being officially cut from Super Rugby as part of SANZAAR's move to a 15-team competition for the 2018 season, it is expected the Cheetahs and the Kings will formally join the PRO12 this week, transforming it into a global PRO14.
While stopping short of confirming the restructure outright, the organisation did reveal advanced talks are ongoing and an official decision will be made soon.
"Celtic Rugby can confirm that advanced and positive discussions are taking place with the South African Rugby Union regarding the introduction of two teams into an expanded Guinness PRO12 Championship," a PRO12 statement read.
"Given the proximity of the 2017/18 season start, a final decision on this potential expansion will be confirmed as soon as practical."
The Cheetahs and Kings played their final Super Rugby match and finished their domestic campaigns on July 14 against each other, with the Cheetahs claiming a one-point win away in Port Elizabeth.
The PRO12 season is due to start in the first or second week of September.
