Andrew Forrest's World Series Rugby will become Global Rapid Rugby in 2019.
Forrest launched the new name on Tuesday, hinting at the teams that will be involved.
According to the website, a team from Hawaii has committed to the expanded competition for next year along with a Hong Kong team.
Sides from Singapore, Malaysia and Fiji are also considering participating in the slated eight-team tournament and Rapid Rugby organisers are ambitious about how it can grow beyond 2020.
While there are still many details to iron out, the competition is pencilled in for a February start, running until mid-June with a $1 million prize up for grabs.
The rule variations used in World Series Rugby this year will continue into 2019 as well.
“It’s a brilliant new name for a brave new beginning,” Forrest said in a statement.
“Rapid Rugby is the perfect name that speaks directly to what we will deliver in 2019 and beyond – a dynamic sports and entertainment concept.
“We are working hard on taking the success of the 2018 series in Perth (played under the banner World Series Rugby) and super-charging it for the Asia Pacific region and I am confident it’s going to be even more innovative and exciting than what people experienced this year.
“Our team continues to work alongside the sport’s governing body, World Rugby, to develop new rules that will make our brand even more appealing. Their input is obviously invaluable.”
More information at rapidrugby.com.
