Coaches welcome Magners play-offs

This 2008/09 season will be the league's last in its present format

Coaches have hailed plans to adopt an end-of-season play-offs system to decide the Magners League champions in the 2009-10 season.

"It lengthens interest in the season, and that's important for everybody," said Blues director of rugby Dai Young.

"Play-offs will change the focus of the season. You'll still want to be first or second to get a home play-off, but it'll be all about winning that final."

Leinster's Alan Gaffney and Edinburgh's Andy Robinson also backed the new idea.

The 10-team Celtic league from Scotland, Ireland and Wales is copying the successful model used by England's Guinness Premiership and France's Top 14 league.

606: DEBATE I think a play-off devalues the achievement of finishing top bleddmowr

The top four clubs at the end of the regular campaign in 2009/10 are expected to enter into semi-finals and a final to determine the overall champion.

England brought in the play-off system six years ago and it has proved lucrative and popular with the fans.

"Play-offs certainly can't hurt," said Gaffney.

"They add weight to the tail of the season and make it more interesting if one of the front runners has got away early."

Former England coach Robinson added: "We have a great Six Nations tournament then the Heineken Cup, but this gives something extra to generate interest in club rugby.

"In April and May the weather's getting better, the grounds are good - it all helps to build a support base and that can only be good for the tournament."

But play-off systems still remain controversial.

As masters Wasps have won four out of six play-offs in England despite never finishing top of the regular season table.