Crowds and viewing figures have steadily tracked downwards in recent years with pundits pointing to a confusing conference system and fewer competitive matches.
There was some hope that with Japan reaching the quarter-finals of last year's successful World Cup that the Sunwolves might be given a reprieve in a bid to build on the sport's appeal in the country. Almost two-thirds of the Springboks' World Cup winning side now play overseas, though captain Siya Kolisi and World Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit remain with the Cape Town-based Stormers.The departure of several All Blacks veterans from Super Rugby, particularly at the 10-times champions the Crusaders, could mark the end of New Zealand's recent dominance of the competition, where their sides have won seven of the last nine titles.
Former Wales coach Warren Gatland is also likely to be heavily scrutinised after returning home from a two-decade career in Europe to take the helm of the Chiefs, who look to be the Crusaders' main threat.