Magners set for play-offs
The Magners League is set to be brought in line with the Guinness Premiership when they introduce a play-off system to determine the champions of the league.
The Magners League is set to be brought in line with the Guinness Premiership when they introduce a play-off system to determine the champions of the league.
The new format, which has been called for many times, is set to be introduced in time for the 2009/10 season as the tournament organisers look to increase the level of competition.
The top four clubs at the end of the regular campaign are expected to enter into semi-finals and a final to determine the overall champions.
“It'll maintain interest in the league through to the end of the year,” league chief executive David Jordan told BBC Sport.
“We will avoid situations like this year where Leinster are so far in front that the last few weeks of the season could all be dead-rubber fixtures.
“Some will say that the league is won over the long distances not the short yards, but we need to create stimulation in the tournament and this is the best way to achieve that.”
The catalyst for the reorganisation of the league is the EDF Energy Cup, as the current format of that Anglo-Welsh competition ends in 2009.
“At the moment the Welsh regions are in the EDF,” Jordan said.
“That agreement ends in 2008/9 and after that there is a real opportunity to bring in the play-offs.
“I can't say it will definitely happen because we have to agree a policy for the format, but there is a genuine willingness and enthusiasm to build towards that as teams right down the league will still have something to play for.”
One man to give his backing to the play-off system is Scarlets Director of Rugby Phil Davies, who believes it will only add to the quality of the tournament.
“I've always said that the Magners League is a fantastic tournament, but we must look at how we can make it more sexy and competitive,” Davies told BBC Sport Wales.
“If you look at rugby league's Super League and the Guinness Premiership, crowds at their play-off games are growing and growing and growing.”
Jordan says that there will be further benefits from the change in format.
“One advantage is that we will be able to structure our league programme for weekends when – by and large – all the international players will be available,” he said.
“We will have hugely competitive games week-in, week-out, helping to build the rhythm to the tournament, home and away.
“We are looking to build competitiveness and high standards throughout.”