Guinness Pro14 introduces play-off game for final Champions Cup place

The seventh and final Champions Cup qualification place from the Guinness Pro14 will be decided by a new play-off fixture between the two fourth-placed teams from each conference.

The winner of the clash will earn the coveted 7th position into the European Champions Cup with the fixture taking place on the first weekend of May.

Home advantage will be awarded to the team that finishes the regular season with the most points. The top three teams in each of the Pro14 conferences automatically secure their entry into the top-tier of European rugby.

“We are committed to raising the standards of our Championship and the introduction of the Champions Cup Play-Off brings a dynamic element to European qualification,” Martin Anayi, CEO of Pro14 Rugby, said.

“By pitting the two fourth-placed teams against each other we’re creating a fair fight and giving fans a Cup final style occasion that they can relish.”