Former Waratahs and Western Force CEO Greg Harris believe none of the five Australian Super Rugby teams should be on the chopping block.
It has been rumoured three teams will be axed from Super Rugby next year, with two teams from South Africa and one from Australia expected be under fire from SANZAAR.
But Harris believes that could be bad for both Australia and New Zealand rugby in the long term.
Speaking to Andrew Gourdie and Jim Kayes on RadioLIVE's Sunday Sport, Harris said it was in the best interest for rugby in Australia and New Zealand to keep five teams.
"I don't think it is in the best interest for Australian rugby to delete a team," says Harris.
"Any short-term changes you make have to have the long-term considerations in place.
"The best long-term solution for Australia in New Zealand is a trans-Tasman competition, and if you delete a fifth Australian team it is hard to imagine a trans-Tasman competition."
Harris firmly believes the ARU and NZR should consider working together, making their own competition, as both unions have a long history and tribalism is important between the two unions.
Harris also says fans in both Australia and New Zealand are not as interested in matches against South African sides and the ratings in Australia back that up.
"We have tribalism against New Zealand teams and that has to be developed with a long-term strategy for a competition.
"Tribalism is important and so is scheduling. People don't want to go across time zones. Players don't like it and that is why players head north."
It is unknown when SANZAAR will make its decision to cut three teams from Super Rugby.
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