The second edition of the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens will be downsized to 12 teams after plans for a Western Australian team fell through.
Organisers had hoped to put together a WA Barbarians side to keep Perth rugby fans engaged after the controversial closure of the Western Force.
But those hopes have been dashed due to concerns it wouldn't be strong enough to compete with other Super Rugby teams.
"We tried extremely hard to find a way to continue to include a team from Western Australia in next year's tournament," Brisbane Global Rugby Tens chief executive Rachael Carroll said.
"Sadly, during negotiations with several parties it became clear that we would not be able to guarantee (it) would be able to meet the player quality obligations of a Super Rugby side."
Samoa, one of 14 teams that featured in the inaugural tournament, also won't be involved because of the financial problems plaguing rugby in that country.
Nor will French glamour club Toulon or the Blue Bulls of Pretoria.
It means the 2018 tournament will consist of three pools of four teams.
All nine Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby franchises will be involved, along with the returning Panasonic Wild Knights from Japan, plus Top 14 side Section Paloise and Fiji, who will add a touch of Pacific Island flair.
An expanded women's draw has also been announced, with the Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels to play a full round-robin with the top two teams in the final.
Bigger crowds are expected in February courtesy of later kick-off times in the afternoon after supporters and players alike endured intense heat and humidity earlier this year.
