R
Rugby News
Guest
The Magners League will adopt a Championship-deciding play-off system for the 2009/10 season.
The Magners League have confirmed a Championship-deciding play-off system for the 2009/10 season.
The league that features the top teams from Wales, Scotland and Ireland will copy the model used by England's Guinness Premiership.
The Magners League's top four teams will qualify for the new-look end-of-season knock-out stage.
Director David Jordan said: "Celtic rugby is striving to align itself with other professional rugby tournaments."
The top quartet of clubs at the end of the regular campaign are expected to enter a semi-finals before a final determines the overall champion.
The Magners League announced the move at this season's league launch in Dublin.
So the new Magners League season, which kicks off on Friday, 5 September, will be the last in its present format.
"From 2009-10 we will be introducing an end of season play-off," said Jordan.
"It'll maintain interest in the league through to the end of the year.
"Also we intend to address the irregular nature of the competition by creating a rhythmic season, achievable as weekends will not compete with any other tournament.
"A grand final will provide a great day out for fans and commercial partners alike."
France's Top 14 league also operate a play-off system while the English game introduced play-offs six seasons ago, with Wasps landing four ***les during that period.
Jordan added: "Teams and players enjoyed success in other competitions last season - the RBS Six Nations Champions (Wales), Heineken Cup (Munster) and Anglo Welsh Cup (Ospreys) winners are from amongst our ranks.
"While the representation of capped players is higher than other European leagues."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport1/hi/r...ion/7584397.stm
The Magners League have confirmed a Championship-deciding play-off system for the 2009/10 season.
The league that features the top teams from Wales, Scotland and Ireland will copy the model used by England's Guinness Premiership.
The Magners League's top four teams will qualify for the new-look end-of-season knock-out stage.
Director David Jordan said: "Celtic rugby is striving to align itself with other professional rugby tournaments."
The top quartet of clubs at the end of the regular campaign are expected to enter a semi-finals before a final determines the overall champion.
The Magners League announced the move at this season's league launch in Dublin.
So the new Magners League season, which kicks off on Friday, 5 September, will be the last in its present format.
"From 2009-10 we will be introducing an end of season play-off," said Jordan.
"It'll maintain interest in the league through to the end of the year.
"Also we intend to address the irregular nature of the competition by creating a rhythmic season, achievable as weekends will not compete with any other tournament.
"A grand final will provide a great day out for fans and commercial partners alike."
France's Top 14 league also operate a play-off system while the English game introduced play-offs six seasons ago, with Wasps landing four ***les during that period.
Jordan added: "Teams and players enjoyed success in other competitions last season - the RBS Six Nations Champions (Wales), Heineken Cup (Munster) and Anglo Welsh Cup (Ospreys) winners are from amongst our ranks.
"While the representation of capped players is higher than other European leagues."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport1/hi/r...ion/7584397.stm
