LEINSTER HAVE BEEN confirmed as a Tier One side ahead of Tuesday’s European Rugby Champions Cup in Switzerland on Tuesday.
The three-time European Cup champions exited in the pool stages in 2013 and were eliminated in last season’s quarter finals by Toulon. The French side, who are aiming to retain their title in 2015, are also a Tier One team, as are beaten 2014 finalists Saracens.
Despite reaching the semi final for the past two seasons, Munster will be in Tier Two when the draw is made at the Stade de la Maladière in Neuchatel on 10 June.
The tier placings are based on league positions under the new cup guidelines. This means Ulster, who finished fourth in the RaboDirect Pro12 may find themselves as a third ranked team when the draw is made.
There are two remaining spots for Tier One seedings and three teams hoping to get top slot. Northampton Saints, Castres Olympique and Glasgow Warriors will be hoping the preliminary draw will go in their favour. Saints won the Premiership, Castres lost the Top 14 final to Toulon and Warriors were defeated by Leinster in the Pro12 final.
Saints won the Premiership but European Professional Club Rugby, who now runs the continent’s elite club competition, confirmed that final league standings take precedence so Sarries get top spot.
Previous rankings were decided on past European performances.
What do you make of the new ranking system?
