IN ADDITION to six qualifiers each from France and England, three each from Ireland and Wales, and two each from Italy and Scotland, the winners of the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup gain one additional place for their respective countries, writes Gerry Thornley.

If, say, either Ireland or France provide the winners of both competitions this season, then the 24th place will go to the highest-ranking, non-qualifying team in the ERC rankings.

Ireland’s automatic three places go to the top three Irish finishers in the Magners League table, which as things stand sees Ulster ahead of Connacht on points difference in third place. Thus, whichever one of those sides finishes above the other will gain that third Irish place.

If either Leinster or Munster win the Heineken Cup it will ensure that all four Irish provinces qualify next season. Likewise, even if Ulster finish below Connacht, were Connacht to win the Challenge Cup, that will also ensure all four provinces qualify.