Same format

Although the organisers of the European Cup have decided to retain this season's format of 24 teams for next season's Heineken Cup, the decision does not mean that Leinster will qualify automatically as Ireland's third best province.

Instead, Leinster will still have to wait on Munster's result against Stade Francais in next April's quarter-final to see if they obtain a place in next season's competition.

European Cup Tournament directors have abandoned plans for a streamlined event of 20 sides. The outstanding success of this season's competition prompted a unanimous decision by European Rugby Cup directors, who met in Dublin this week.

However, the 24 competing sides will again be divided into six groups of four, with England and France having most representatives - a minimum five - while Wales, curiously to say the least, are guaranteed four teams, with Ireland (who had the winners last year and one quarterfinalist this year) worth no more than Scotland and Italy, namely two each.

The remaining four places will be allocated to the best-classed nations at the end of this season's tournament, although no country can claim more than one extra place.

London Irish recall centre Robert Todd, who has recovered from a knee ligament injury - Italian international Marco Rivaro steps down - for their Tetley's Bitter Cup quarter-final against Premiership leaders Glouester at the Stoop today.