Penney says ‘Rabo’ key to opening Euro door

With the prospect of qualification for European competition looking ever more likely for RaboDirect Pro12 teams, Munster head coach Rob Penney has questioned whether the Irish provinces can be sure of their places at the top table under existing domestic arrangements.

Munster head into a top of the table clash at RaboDirect Pro12 leaders Glasgow tonight with added emphasis on league finishing positions given the seemingly inevitable changes to qualifying criteria that will be implemented in order to solve the current impasse over the future of European cross-border competition.

Dispute mediators found consensus yesterday between Heineken Cup organisers ERC and the six unions representing the Celtic nations, England, France and Italy over a 20-team primary competition including seven teams from the Pro12, with each of the four Pro12 countries guaranteed one entrant and the next three best-placed teams in the Pro12 also qualifying.