The collapse of the partnership between the South African, New Zealand and Australian unions has been avoided with the three parties agreeing to the future shape of a revamped Super rugby competition.

Disagreement between South Africa and their two other Sanzar partners over the timing of the competition and how best to cope with the June Test window had seemed set to derail the agreement.

Australia and New Zealand had started to explore the alternative option of a trans-Tasman/Asia-Pacific competition.

But at a meeting of the executive committee of Sanzar in Dublin the unions thrashed out their differences and agreed upon a structure to take the competition forward from 2011.

"Whilst there was a robust and constructive discussion of the issues, it was clear that the partners were all united in wanting to continue playing Super rugby and Tri-Nations," Sanzar chief executive Andy Marinos said in a statement.

"We have agreed a way forward and wish to inform our stakeholders before making any further comment."

The current Sanzar agreement on Super 14 expires at the end of 2010.

The partners are due to present a new proposed structure to broadcasters at the end of June.