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Rugby Union

Magners League plans playoff system for 2009 season

27/08/2008

It has been announced today that the Magners League will introduce a playoff system at the start of the 2009/10 season.

The club competition, which comprises of club sides from Scotland, Ireland and Wales, said this coming season will be the last to automatically crown the league winners as champions.

Director of Celtic Rugby David Jordan says the change of format will help bring the competition in line with other leading leagues throughout the world - the English and French leagues as well as the southern hemisphere Super 14 competition all use the playoff system.

Jordan explained: "Celtic Rugby is always striving to align itself with other professional rugby tournaments around the world, consequently this season will be the last that the Magners League is played in its present format.

"I am pleased to announce that from 2009/10 we will be introducing an end of season play-off to determine the Magners League Champions with the top four teams qualifying for the knockout stage."

Currently in the Magners League not all teams play every weekend because of the Welsh clubs' commitment to the Anglo-Welsh Cup. Jordan says that from 2009 that will change due to an alteration in the season schedule.

Having witnessed the success of the English playoff system Jordan believes the lure of a grand final will provide great excitement for the participating teams and raise the profile of the league.

He added: "A grand final will provide a great day out for fans and commercial partners alike, the emphasis will not just be about the participating finalists but a great celebration of Celtic Rugby on and off the pitch."

Current champions Leinster will begin their title defence on September 6th with a trip to Cardiff Blues.