Rugby: Edinburgh's second chance in Europe is backed by fans

Published on Tuesday 16 June 2009 09:49

CHANGES which will add spice to European club rugby were today given the thumbs up by a Scottish fans' group chief, writes BILL LOTHIAN.

As from next season, three teams who narrowly miss out on qualification for the premier Heineken Cup will automatically enter the second tier Challenge Cup at the quarter-final stage.

The existing Heineken Cup knockout qualification of six pool winners and two best runners-up will remain with the remaining teams playing the five Challenge Cup group winners.

While obviously hoping that Edinburgh and Glasgow will proceed to the main event, Neil Hunter, spokesman for the Forum of Scottish Rugby Supporters, said: "Anything that helps Scottish teams at the moment is desperately needed and if it isn't the Heineken Cup then hopefully they can be involved in the Challenge Cup instead of dropping out in January as has been the case too often in the recent past."

It is hoped that the changes will help give the second tier tournament added profile.

Another major boost for the Challenge Cup is that the winner of the tournament will earn an additional Heineken Cup spot for their country. The winner of the European Challenge Cup automatically qualifies for the following season's Heineken Cup.

But organisers have also made sure that English and French clubs don't start to dominate European rugby's premier tournament by introducing a limit of seven teams from those countries competing in the Heineken Cup.