Play-offs for Rugby Champions Cup?

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The final two spots in the proposed Rugby Champions Cup will be decided by play-offs, one of the supporters of the competition said.

The final two spots in next season's proposed new Rugby Champions Cup will be decided by play-offs, one of the supporters of the competition said.

Bruce Craig, Bath chairman and vice-president of Premiership Rugby, told AFP they would happen in May to complete the 20 competing sides.

Following support from the Welsh regions, at present the Cup would involve those four teams and the England and France's best placed teams.

Craig was adamant that the rival tournament to the Heineken Cup would go ahead hence his announcement of the play-offs structure.

“It is for certain there will be play-offs for one or two places in May,” said Craig.

At present the proposed make-up of the teams taking part in the breakaway tournament is six from the Aviva Premiership, six from the Top 14 and six from the RaboDirect PRO12.

“The play-offs could be made up of the teams that finish seventh or eighth in their respective championships,” said Craig.

“The play-offs would be interesting matches, with something at stake, involving teams who normally by that stage of the season have nothing to play for.”