With another batch of Welsh derbies on the horizon, the battle is really hotting up for Champions Cup qualification.
There’s a new system in place this season for European entry. After a number of years of pure meritocracy, a geographical element has been reintroduced following the birth of the United Rugby Championship. You can read more on the background to that move here.
Essentially, it's because the four South African sides in the URC are now eligible for Europe. There was concern in some quarters that this could see certain countries missing out on having representatives in the Champions Cup, with the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions potentially hoovering up qualifying spots.
