Schools consider Champions League format

Leinster Schools Senior Cup:Moves are afoot to radically alter the traditional Leinster schools senior cup in 2009 from its current knock-out format to a Heineken European Cup style 16-team competition divided into four seeded groups.  Gavin Cummiskeyreports

If adopted, the top two schools in each group would qualify for the quarter-finals with the bottom two redirected to the Vinnie Murray Cup, which would remain as the second tier competition.

With the best players in the cup annually drafted into the Leinster Academy and, in some cases, signed by English clubs, the traditional winner-takes-all system has been identified as counter-productive to the development of Ireland's rugby talent.

The newly proposed structure would allow players from every school increased scope to showcase and develop their abilities in a highly pressurised environment. Setanta Sports wouldn't be complaining either as they enter their third season of coverage.

A new cup format would not be exclusive to 16 schools as pre-Christmas league competitions would still provide qualifiers. The increased number of games - each school would be guaranteed a minimum four games and a maximum of six - means games could start earlier in January with teams playing one group match per week to ensure a conclusion around the traditional St Patrick's Day date.

For this to become a reality a simple majority is required at next May's Leinster schools AGM. The likelihood is a sub-committee would be appointed and if their recommendations are adopted the re-structure can come into affect next year.

Ultimately, the final decision is down to the schools.

The notion was floated at the 2007 AGM but never went to a vote.

Most of the elite six schools who traditionally dominate the cup and the Leinster schools committee are expected to support the initiative, with potential opposition coming from weaker or middle-tier schools. However, the opportunity of several high profile games must appeal to young players with aspirations of entering the professional ranks.

The redeveloped Donnybrook stadium and availability of the RDS ensures the Leinster Branch have the infrastructure to stage an enlarged version of their flagship tournament, which doubles as the primary breeding ground for the professional ranks.

Of the current home-grown Leinster players, only Shane Horgan didn't progress from the schools system.

Meanwhile, captains from previous SCT winning teams will be guests of honour at the first cup match between Terenure College and Belvedere College on January 27th. The match marks the official opening of the new 2,500 capacity Donnybrook stand. The redeveloped ground now holds 8,000.

Former captains invited to attend who have represented Ireland include Lions tourist Niall Brophy (Blackrock, 1954), Noel Turley (Blackrock, 1955), Mick Quinn (Newbridge, 1970), Harry Harbison (Blackrock, 1975), Hugo MacNeill (Blackrock, 1977), Brendan Mullin (Blackrock, 1982) and Brian Glennon (DLSP, 1985). In the case of deceased captains - the competition began in 1887 - a representative from the school or family will be invited to attend.

While work at Donnybrook remains on schedule, the senior final will still take place at the RDS Showgrounds as the 18,500 capacity is required to meet demand.