ACT Brumbies captain Christian Lealiifano fears the decision to cut the Japan Sunwolves from Super Rugby will affect the competition's ability to grow in the coming years.
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Super Rugby officials are expected to announce on Friday they will axe the Sunwolves when the broadcast deal expires at the end of 2020.
It has caused major concerns about the future of the competition, which will revert back to a 14-team format with games against everyone as opposed to a confusing conference system.
Lealiifano said: "It's never nice to hear that a team is going to be axed. You're always wanting to be growing our game, not only in our country, but globally.
"I think they've been a team that has been continually growing and being a threat in this competition. They're not easybeats anymore. We already cut the Western Force and it's hurt us a bit in this country.
"...I guess they have to do what they need to do. I'd love to see [the Sunwolves] in."
Lealiifano spent the Super Rugby off-season in Japan at the end of last year as part of a flexible contract with the Brumbies.
Australian teams fear the decision to jettison the Sunwolves will end flexible arrangements, which have also benefited David Pocock and Israel Folau, by causing an international tug of war for players instead of joint deals.
