PRO12 Clubs To Qualify For Europe On Merit Alone

Key changes to the qualification format for the Champions Cup will be introduced by EPCR next season in a move which will create a more streamlined pathway to participation in Europe's top flight. At the conclusion of 2017/18, the seven highest-ranked clubs from the Guinness PRO12 will qualify for the following season's Champions Cup regardless of their country of origin. This will replace the current format which requires that at least one club from each of Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales is included in the seven qualifiers. The qualification process for the Aviva Premiership and the TOP 1…